Inflatable Flow Restrictor for Continuous Medical Flow Rate Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems for medical applications lack precise control over a continuous range of flow rates, are complex to manufacture, and do not clearly indicate selected flow rates to users, particularly for low-flow rate applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control device featuring an inflatable flow restrictor that occludes the fluid path, allowing selective control of flow rates over a continuous range, with an actuator to manage inflation fluid and provide clear user feedback through a manually or automatically adjustable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete flow rate positions are used with flow control tubes of equal cross-sectional area and different lengths, then flow rate control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the flow restrictor from rigid tubes of fixed lengths to an inflatable balloon that can dynamically change its occlusion parameters. By varying the inflation pressure and volume of the single balloon, continuous flow rate adjustment is achieved without manufacturing multiple discrete tube lengths, thereby improving precision while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static flow control elements (fixed-length tubes) to a dynamic system where a single balloon can be inflated to different degrees. The balloon's occlusion of the flow path can be continuously adjusted by controlling inflation fluid volume, enabling precise flow rate control over a continuous range rather than discrete positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete flow rate positions are provided, then flow rate selection is possible, but continuous flow rate adjustment over the entire range is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the inflatable balloon - that acts as a mediator between the inflation fluid source and the main fluid flow path. By controlling the amount of inflation fluid introduced into the balloon, continuous adjustment of the balloon's occlusion degree is achieved, thereby enabling continuous flow rate selection across the entire range without discrete positioning limitations.
3Productivity
If low flow rates are controlled using conventional devices, then fluid delivery is achieved, but manufacturing expense and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal flow control mechanism where a single inflatable balloon can replace multiple discrete flow control elements. This multi-functional approach allows one component to provide the entire range of flow rate control from low to high rates, simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need to produce and inventory multiple specialized components for different flow rates, thereby reducing both manufacturing time and expense while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables precise and reliable control of fluid flow rates from 0.5 to 14 cubic centimeters per hour, simplifies manufacturing, and provides clear user feedback, making it suitable for disposable medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable portion is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to control a flow rate of the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.