Fluid Regulator with Segmented Flow Restrictor for Medical Gas Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid regulators for medical applications lack efficient pressure reduction and flow rate calibration, leading to inadequate control over the delivery of pressurized medical gases like oxygen, which can result in inconsistent and potentially harmful flow rates to patients.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulator design featuring a cylindrical body with a flow restrictor and pressure reduction section, allowing for selective interposition of fluid passages to control flow rates and pressure, coupled with a flow selector for user-adjustable settings, ensuring precise delivery of medical gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow restrictor with multiple fluid passages is used to provide calibrated flow rates, then flow rate control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor is segmented into multiple fluid passages (first fluid passage, second fluid passage, etc.), each providing a different restricted flow rate. This segmentation allows precise control of flow rates by selecting which passage is interposed between inlet and outlet, while the modular structure helps manage device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restrictor is made moveable relative to the cylindrical body, allowing dynamic selection of different fluid passages. The flow selector mechanism enables the system to transition between different flow rate configurations, providing adaptable flow control without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If a pressure reduction section is added to reduce fluid pressure, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction section is nested within the cylindrical body structure, with the housing positioned within the open end of the body. This nesting approach integrates pressure reduction functionality into the existing regulator structure, improving pressure control precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the flow selector is made larger for better visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the diameter exceeds the reduced diameter portion of the body
Solution Approach 1:
The flow selector is designed with a first portion having a diameter larger than the reduced diameter portion of the cylindrical body. This larger diameter provides better visibility and ease of operation for the indicia. The design accepts that the flow selector extends beyond the reduced diameter portion, using dimensional accommodation rather than constraining the flow selector size.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fluid passages are provided for different flow rates, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor is divided into multiple separate fluid passages, each calibrated to provide a specific restricted flow rate. This segmentation allows each passage to be manufactured and calibrated independently, improving adaptability while managing manufacturing precision requirements through modular fabrication.
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 design enables precise control over fluid flow rates and pressure reduction, providing safe and consistent delivery of medical gases, enhancing patient safety by ensuring accurate and adjustable flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure reduction section being received in the open end of the body and positioned between the fluid inlet of the body and the flow restrictor, the pressure reduction section being configured to receive fluid at a first pressure from the fluid inlet and to provide fluid at a lower pressure to the flow restrictor
Implementation Method 2
The flow restrictor being received in the open end of the cylindrical body portion and moveable relative to the body portion so that one of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage is selectively interposed between the fluid inlet of the body and the fluid outlet of the body to restrict the flow rate of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid regulators are disclosed. An exemplary fluid regulator having a cylindrical body and a reduced diameter portion adjacent an open end of the fluid regulator along with a flow selector positioned adjacent the open end of the fluid regulator and having a diameter larger than the reduced diameter of the cylindrical body is disclosed. Another exemplary fluid regulator having a pressure reduction section positioned within a housing is disclosed.