Infusion Device Active Passive Check Valves Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable infusion devices face challenges in precise substance delivery due to exposure to ambient pressure, which can lead to elevated reservoir pressure, excess infusion, and potential component damage, as well as inefficiencies in energy usage and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bolus pump system with a passive check valve and an active check valve in series, where the passive check valve opens in response to fluid pressure and the active check valve is actuated to control fluid flow, reducing flow resistance and preventing excess infusion by maintaining the active check valve closed unless activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive check valve is used to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but flow resistance increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamically actuated check valve that can switch between passive and active states. The valve transitions from a static passive check valve to a dynamic system where the valve opening is controlled based on flow conditions, allowing optimization of both backflow prevention and flow resistance reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is preliminarily positioned in an open state before backflow occurs, allowing normal forward flow to pass with minimal resistance. When backflow is detected or anticipated, the valve actively closes to prevent reverse flow, combining the benefits of open-flow efficiency with backflow protection
2Reliability
If the active check valve is kept closed to prevent excess infusion, then safety is improved, but flow resistance increases and delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the active check valve's state is continuously adjusted based on real-time monitoring of reservoir pressure and flow conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures the valve remains closed only when necessary to prevent excess infusion, while staying open during normal operation to maintain precise delivery accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The active check valve transitions from a static closed position to a dynamically controlled state, opening and closing based on real-time system conditions. This dynamic control allows the valve to maintain safety by preventing excess infusion while preserving delivery accuracy during therapeutic substance administration
3Ease of operation
If the reservoir is exposed to ambient pressure for ease of refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but reservoir pressure stability deteriorates leading to excess infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The active check valve serves as an intermediary between the reservoir and the external environment. It allows controlled interaction with ambient pressure during refilling operations while preventing harmful pressure fluctuations from affecting the reservoir, thus maintaining pressure stability without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary protective action by having the active check valve close in anticipation of harmful pressure changes before they can affect the reservoir. This prevents external pressure fluctuations from causing excess infusion while still allowing controlled refilling operations
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 enhances energy efficiency and safety by reducing flow resistance and minimizing excess substance infusion, while ensuring precise and controlled delivery of therapeutic substances, even under varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The passive check valve opens in response to fluid pressure of the therapeutic substance
Implementation Method 2
If the active check valve is in the form of a solenoid check valve, one or more coils may be energized to open the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system in which therapeutic substance from a reservoir is pumped by a bolus pump to an infusion port is disclosed. The therapeutic substance delivered by the bolus pump passes first through a passive check valve located downstream from the pump. The passive check valve opens in response to fluid pressure of the therapeutic substance. After passing through the passive check valve, the therapeutic substance passes through an active check valve located downstream from the passive check if the active check valve is actuated such that it is open. When not activated, the active check valve is closed and fluid flow through the active check valve in the downstream direction is prevented.