Fluid Path Clip Mechanism Prevents Gravity Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical procedures, particularly angiographic procedures, there is a challenge in preventing gravitational flow of contaminated or undesirable liquids from a single-use fluid tubing set into a multi-use portion, leading to potential contamination and the need for frequent replacement of equipment.

Innovation Solution

A fluid path set with flexible tubes forming transverse formations, maintained by a clip mechanism, prevents gravitational flow by ensuring that denser fluids cannot displace less dense fluids, thereby preventing contamination between the single-use and multi-use sections of the fluid delivery system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fluid tubing set is made longer to accommodate various procedure needs, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the gravitational flow of contaminated fluids into multi-use portions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of fluid tubing setVSAvoidgravitational flow of contaminated fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A gravity prevention element (check valve or one-way valve) is introduced as an intermediary component within the fluid path. This valve allows fluid to flow in the intended direction (from multi-use to single-use portion) but blocks reverse flow, thereby preventing contaminated fluids from migrating back into the multi-use portion due to gravity while maintaining the extended tubing length for versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the fluid tubing set is left hanging vertically for storage or handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the gravitational flow causing contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of fluid tubing setVSAvoidgravitational flow of contaminated fluids

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gravity prevention element (check valve) acts as an intermediary that permits the tubing to be handled and stored in convenient vertical positions while automatically preventing contaminated fluid from flowing backward into the multi-use portion when hung vertically, thus resolving the conflict between ease of handling and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the single-use portion is frequently replaced to prevent contamination, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of contaminationVSAvoidtime for equipment replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By inserting a gravity prevention element (check valve) into the fluid path, the system maintains reliable contamination prevention continuously without requiring frequent replacement of the single-use portion. The valve blocks gravitational flow in real-time, eliminating the need for repeated equipment changes and the associated time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the transverse formation is created to prevent gravitational flow, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of gravitational flowVSAvoidstructure of fluid path set

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gravity prevention element (check valve or one-way valve) is a compact, standardized component that can be integrated into the existing fluid path without requiring complex structural modifications. This intermediary device achieves reliable gravitational flow prevention while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents gravitational flow, reducing the risk of contamination and the need for frequent equipment replacement, enhancing the handling and storage of longer fluid tubing sets while maintaining the integrity of the fluid delivery system.

Implementation Method 1

preventing gravitational flow of contaminated or undesirable liquids from a single-use fluid tubing set into a multi-use portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational flow prevention: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2187991B1Fluid path set providing gravity flow prevention

Publication Date: 2019.10.23 BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC

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AI summary

A fluid path set for delivery of an injection fluid includes a flexible tube. The flexible tube has a first end and a second end and a length defined between the first and second ends when the flexible tube is straightened. The flexible tube has a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the flexible tube. The flexible tube defines a transverse formation extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube. The fluid path set further includes a clip mechanism for maintaining the transverse formation in the flexible tube such fluid contained within the flexible tube at one end portion cannot flow through the length of the flexible tube to displace a less dense fluid contained within the flexible tube at the other end portion thereof by means of gravitational flow.