Fluid Valve Connection for Controlled Powder-Liquid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems in the medical field often result in non-uniform mixing or clump formation when transferring liquids into vessels containing powders, leading to unusable mixtures, especially with expensive drugs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid valve and connection system with a housing, internal and external connection elements, and an actuating element that allows for controlled fluid flow by selectively blocking or establishing connections between vessels, using a blocking element and grooves to define positions and prevent unintended fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fluid connection is established between storage vessels to transfer liquid, then fluid transfer is enabled, but non-uniform mixing or clump formation occurs when liquid is suddenly suctioned into vessels containing powder
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element is designed to be movable between different positions (open and closed) to dynamically control the fluid connection. This dynamic control allows the system to transition from a closed state (preventing premature mixing) to an open state (enabling controlled fluid transfer), thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling fluid transfer and preventing clump formation
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes the fluid connection between vessels in advance, but the valve element remains in the closed position to prevent premature fluid transfer. This preliminary setup allows the connection to be ready while the valve controls the actual transfer timing, ensuring uniform mixing when the liquid is transferred gradually rather than suddenly
2Speed
If negative pressure is produced in the first storage vessel to suction liquid, then fluid transfer is accelerated, but sudden suction causes clump formation and non-uniform mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element acts as an intermediary between the first and second storage vessels, controlling the fluid transfer process. Even when negative pressure is applied to accelerate transfer, the valve element regulates the flow to prevent sudden suction, thereby maintaining mixing uniformity while enabling accelerated transfer
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid connection system allows selective mixing of agents, then controlled mixing is achieved, but device complexity increases with valve elements and actuating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element serves multiple functions: it controls fluid transfer, prevents clump formation, enables selective mixing, and can be integrated with actuating elements for automated control. By making the valve element multi-functional, the system achieves selective mixing capability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid valve and fluid connection system, comprising a casing having a chamber with a first internal connection element and a first external connection element; comprising a first movable valve element in the chamber; and comprising an actuating element which has a fluid communication system with a second internal connection element and a second external connection element; wherein the first internal connection element cooperates with the second internal connection element and the valve element to establish or block a fluid connection between the first and second external connection elements.