Inflatable Flow Restrictor for Continuous Low Flow Rate Control
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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 rates used in medical treatments.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate control device featuring an inflatable flow restrictor that occludes the fluid path to selectively control the flow rate over a continuous range, using an inflatable balloon in fluid communication with a source of inflation fluid, and an actuator to control the inflation, allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete flow rates are used with flow control tubes of equal cross-sectional area and different lengths, then flow rate selection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and manufacturing time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the flow control system by using a single tube with a movable occlusion element instead of multiple tubes with different lengths. The occlusion element can be positioned at different locations along the tube to vary the effective flow path length, providing discrete flow rate selection without requiring multiple pre-fabricated tubes of different dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow control function into a single tube with multiple possible occlusion positions rather than requiring multiple complete tubes. The tube is divided into segments along its length, and the occlusion element selectively blocks flow at different segments to achieve different flow rates, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete flow rates are used, then flow rate control is achieved, but the ability to select any flow rate over a continuous range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable occlusion element that can be dynamically repositioned along the tube to achieve different flow rates. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to transition from fixed discrete flow rates to a more continuous range of selectable flow rates, improving adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion element acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the output, mediating the flow rate by selectively blocking different portions of the tube. This intermediary mechanism enables precise control over the effective flow path length, allowing for both discrete and continuous flow rate selection without requiring multiple precision-manufactured tubes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow control tubes of different lengths are used, then different flow rates are achieved, but the device becomes more expensive and less suitable for disposable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single tube multi-functional by enabling it to provide multiple discrete flow rates through the movable occlusion element. Instead of requiring multiple specialized tubes for different flow rates, one universal tube can serve multiple functions by adjusting the occlusion position, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and improving suitability for disposable medical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple flow control configurations within a single tube structure rather than requiring multiple physical tube copies. The movable occlusion element effectively creates virtual copies of different tube lengths by blocking the tube at different positions, achieving the same functional result as multiple tubes but with a single manufactured component.
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 indication of selected flow rates, making the device suitable for disposable use while maintaining high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon is selectively inflatable to occlude the flow path of the fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid
Data Source
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.