Fluid Flow Regulator Using Feedback Valve for Precision Infusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid delivery systems, particularly in emergency settings, lack precise control over fluid flow rates, often relying on gravity-fed lines and manual valves, which can be inaccurate and unreliable for maintaining consistent infusion rates.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow meter and valve configuration, including a split-rotating arm mechanism and image sensor, to monitor and regulate fluid flow in a drip chamber, enabling precise control and feedback loops for maintaining target flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gravity-fed line with manual valve is used for fluid delivery, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the flow rate control precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a flow meter continuously monitors the actual flow rate of fluid through the drip chamber and communicates this information to a controller, which then adjusts the electric valve to maintain the desired flow rate. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by providing precise flow rate control while managing system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical valve with an electrically actuated valve controlled by a motor or actuator mechanism. This substitution allows for more precise control of the valve opening based on electronic signals from the controller, thereby improving flow rate precision while the automated system manages the increased complexity.
2Reliability
If a manually actuated valve is used to adjust fluid flow, then the device is simple, but the ability to maintain consistent infusion rates is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flow meter to continuously measure the actual flow rate and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the electric valve to maintain the target flow rate. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent infusion rates without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving reliability while implementing necessary automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to self-regulate the flow rate by automatically detecting deviations from the target rate and adjusting the valve accordingly. The controller and electric valve work together to maintain consistent infusion rates without requiring continuous manual adjustment, enabling the system to service itself and maintain reliability.
3Measurement precision
If an infusion pump is used to strictly control fluid delivery, then the flow rate precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical infusion pump with a simpler gravity-fed system combined with an electrically actuated valve. The valve controls the flow rate by adjusting its opening based on feedback from the flow meter, eliminating the need for complex pumping mechanisms while maintaining precise flow control through electronic actuation and feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential flow control function from the complex infusion pump and implements it separately using an electric valve controlled by a feedback system. This separation allows the use of a simpler gravity-fed delivery mechanism while achieving precise flow control through the dedicated valve and controller assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If a drip chamber with manual drop counting is used, then the system is simple, but the measurement precision of flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual counting method with an electronic flow meter that uses optical or electromagnetic sensors to detect and measure fluid flow. The flow meter provides electronic signals to the controller, enabling precise digital measurement of flow rate without requiring manual observation and counting, thereby improving measurement precision while managing the added electronic monitoring complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. An apparatus for infusing fluid into a patient infusion apparatus includes a drip-chamber seat configured to receive a drip chamber; a tube seat configured to receive a tube fluidly coupled to the drip chamber, the tube including a plurality of conduits for fluid flow therethrough; a plunger configured to engage with the tube; and a user actuator configured to actuate the plunger.