Infusion Cartridge Cap Member Flow Path Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps face challenges in ensuring the anti-free flow (AFF) function is set to a desired state during the filling of infusion solutions, as the flow path closure status may be inadvertently altered, leading to incorrect operating states.
Innovation Solution
An infusion cartridge with a cap member and flow path closing assembly that allows the flow path to change between closing and opening positions based on the cap member's attachment and detachment, ensuring the AFF function is correctly set during filling by using a rotatable tube pressing portion connected via a hinge and biased by a coil spring, with an operation restricting portion to prevent unintended detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow path is closed by the AFF function during filling, then infusion solution delivery is prevented, but the user may inadvertently set the AFF function to an erroneous state
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path closing portion is pre-configured to automatically close the flow path when the cap member is detached, eliminating the need for users to manually set the AFF function. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable flow path closure during filling operations without requiring user intervention or understanding of AFF function settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the flow path closure function automatically based on cap member attachment/detachment status, without requiring user control or setting. The flow path closing portion responds autonomously to cap member operations, making the system self-regulating and eliminating potential user errors in AFF function configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the cap member is made detachable for filling operations, then filling access is enabled, but the flow path closure status may be inadvertently altered
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path closing portion receives feedback from the cap member attachment/detachment operation and automatically adjusts the flow path closure status accordingly. When the cap member is detached for filling, the system automatically opens the flow path; when the cap member is reattached, the flow path automatically closes, ensuring reliable flow control throughout the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path closing portion is designed to dynamically change its position between closed and open states based on cap member attachment status. This dynamic response ensures that the flow path closure stability is maintained during normal operation while automatically adapting to filling operations when the cap member is detached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow path closing portion is made movable between closing and opening positions, then flow path control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path closing portion is integrated with the cap member attachment/detachment mechanism, combining two functions (cap attachment and flow path control) into a single integrated system. This merging eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, achieving flow path control flexibility while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap member serves multiple functions: it provides filling access when detached and simultaneously controls the flow path closure status. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve adaptable flow path control without adding dedicated complexity, as the existing cap member mechanism is utilized for dual purposes.
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
This configuration guides users to maintain the desired AFF state during filling, preventing unintended infusion solution delivery and ensuring accurate operation of the infusion pump.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit configured to bias the tube pressing portion toward the tube receiving portion
Implementation Method 2
the tube pressing portion is connected to the tube receiving portion via a hinge portion
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion cartridge includes: a cartridge main body that defines a housing space configured to house an infusion solution; a tube member having a proximal end connected to the cartridge main body and defining a flow path communicating with the housing space; and a cap member attachable to and detachable from a distal end of the tube member. The cartridge main body includes a flow path closing portion configured to be changed between (i) a closing position in which the flow path closing portion closes the flow path of the tube member and (ii) an opening position in which the flow path closing portion does not close the flow path of the tube member. The cap member is attachable to the cartridge main body so as to maintain the flow path closing portion in one position among the closing position and the opening position.