Frustoconical Orifice Flow Control for Accurate Infusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing fluid infusion in patients, such as manual roller clamps and infusion pumps, are inaccurate, require continuous vigilance, and are costly, posing risks due to potential mechanical failure and resource constraints, especially in homecare settings and resource-limited areas.

Innovation Solution

A flow control device with a connector and orifice plate that uses a frustoconical orifice to regulate fluid flow, minimizing chamber formation for bubble prevention and allowing for adjustable flow rates through a combination of orifices, which can be made from flexible materials and laser-drilled for precision, and is color-coded for easy identification of flow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual roller clamps are used to control fluid flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow rate accuracy deteriorates and requires continuous vigilance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidflow rate accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device is designed to automatically maintain accurate flow rates through the frustoconical orifice geometry and chamberless communication design, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or monitoring while ensuring flow rate accuracy without complex mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If infusion pumps are used to maintain accurate flow rate, then the flow rate accuracy is improved, but the cost and risk of mechanical failure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate accuracyVSAvoidrisk of mechanical failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device uses a simple, disposable connector with an orifice plate that can be laser-drilled with precise geometry. This eliminates expensive electromechanical infusion pumps while maintaining flow rate accuracy and eliminating the risk of pump mechanical failure through a passive, non-mechanical flow control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces active electromechanical infusion pump systems with a passive mechanical flow control device using frustoconical orifices and chamberless communication, eliminating motors, sensors, and control electronics while maintaining accurate flow regulation through geometric design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If roller clamps are used for fluid infusion, then the cost is reduced, but the reliability of flow rate control deteriorates due to plastic deformation and loss of clamping action

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidreliability of flow rate control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a disposable component made from resiliently flexible material with a laser-drilled orifice plate, eliminating the need for expensive reusable pumps while ensuring reliable flow control. The disposable nature prevents degradation issues associated with reusable roller clamps and plastic conduit deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of manufacture

If chambered communication is used between conduits, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but air bubble formation increases which inhibits proper operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidair bubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the chambered communication design that traps air bubbles. Instead, it implements chamberless communication where the conduit ends connect directly to the orifice plate, removing the harmful air bubble formation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through direct geometric design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 device provides accurate and reliable fluid infusion with minimal human intervention, reducing the risk of errors and mechanical failure, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various settings, including homecare, without the need for extensive training or continuous monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

an orifice plate received in the cross member to control flow of fluid, in use, through the conduits received in the first and the second receiving formations of the connector, the orifice plate defining at least one substantially frustoconical orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrustoconical orifice flow control: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the orifice is formed in the plate by laser drilling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser drilling: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS9033938B2Controlled flow administration set

Publication Date: 2015.05.19 ACU RATE HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

A flow control device includes a connector defining a first receiving formation for receiving a first conduit, a second receiving formation for receiving a second conduit and a cross member separating the first receiving formation and the second receiving formation. An orifice plate is received in the cross member to control flow of fluid, in use, through the conduits received in the first and the second receiving formations of the connector, the orifice plate defining at least one substantially frustoconical orifice.