Free Flow Prevention Clamp for Ambulatory Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peristaltic infusion pumps face the issue of unintentional fluid flow due to gravity, known as free flow, which can occur when the pump is not in use, leading to inefficiencies and potential patient safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cassette with a free flow prevention clamp is designed for ambulatory infusion pumps, featuring elongate sections and a clamping section that can be configured to allow fluid flow when in use and prevent it when not in use, utilizing arc and wedge cams to transition between operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a peristaltic pump is used to deliver fluid, then the pump can be designed for ambulatory use allowing patient mobility, but gravity may cause unintentional fluid flow (free flow) when the pump is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-configured in an open position that allows fluid flow during normal operation. When the pump is removed or stopped, the clamp automatically transitions to a closed position to prevent free flow, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring safety without compromising ambulatory functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary component between the fluid source and the patient. It mediates the conflict between maintaining fluid flow during ambulatory use and preventing free flow when the pump is not operational, by automatically adjusting its state based on pump presence or operational status
2Reliability
If a clamp is added to prevent free flow, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed as a dynamic component that automatically transitions between open and closed states based on operational conditions. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for complex control systems, sensors, or power sources, maintaining simplicity while ensuring patient safety through automatic free flow prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is self-regulating and automatically responds to pump presence or removal without requiring external control. The mechanical design allows the clamp to service itself by transitioning states based on physical interactions with the pump system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette with free flow prevention for use with an ambulatory pump. The cassette includes a free flow prevention clamp and a housing. The free flow prevention clamp includes a clamping section having a first side and a second side, a first elongate section extending from the first side, and a second elongate section extending from the second side. The housing supports the free flow prevention clamp and defines a channel for receiving a tube. The elongate sections extend parallel to the channel and the clamping section extends across the channel. The free flow prevention clamp is configurable within the housing in an open condition that allows fluid flow through the tube when force is applied to one of the elongate sections and in a closed condition that prevents fluid flow through the tube when the force is removed from the elongate sections.