Infusion Roller Clamp Geometry for Precise Low Drip Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller clamps for infusion sets have a limited adjustment range for low drip rates, making it difficult to precisely set low drip rates and requiring high forces, which complicates user operation and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A roller clamp with a housing and wheel design that minimizes the load on the wheel by shifting the contact point inward, allowing for a longer adjustment range for low drip rates with reduced forces, and incorporates a modified cam geometry for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional roller clamp design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment range for low drip rates is limited and requires high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism, specifically the angle and shape of the cam surface, to change the mechanical advantage throughout the adjustment range. This allows for reduced forces while maintaining the ability to achieve low drip rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism transforms the rotational motion of the wheel into longitudinal displacement with a non-uniform relationship. The dynamic geometry of the cam surface creates varying mechanical advantage, making adjustment easier across the full range particularly at low drip rates.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional roller clamp design is used, then manufacturing costs are higher, but material consumption can be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller clamp is designed as a disposable medical device where cost reduction is achieved through optimized material usage. The cam mechanism allows for simpler, lighter construction while maintaining functionality, reducing both material consumption and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing the dimensional parameters of the cam and wheel components, the design achieves sufficient mechanical advantage with less material, reducing overall component size and material consumption while keeping manufacturing simple.
3Reliability
If solid gears are used to prevent damage, then durability is improved, but material accumulation increases and manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex gear mechanism entirely, replacing it with a direct cam-and-wheel system. This eliminates the need for separate gear components, reducing device complexity and material usage while maintaining reliable force transmission through the cam's geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional gear-based mechanical advantage system is replaced with a cam-based geometric mechanism. The cam surface profile provides the necessary mechanical advantage without requiring interlocking gear teeth, simplifying the overall mechanical system.
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 design provides a more ergonomic and precise adjustment of drip rates, reduces material consumption, and extends the roller clamp's lifespan while maintaining the total adjustment range, thus lowering manufacturing costs and improving user-friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel (10) which is rotatably and longitudinally displaceably supported on running surfaces (8) in or on the side walls (4) of the housing (2), such that a movement/rotation of the wheel (10) along the running surfaces (8) changes the cross-section of the tube (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~3f
Figure 4~6b
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an infusion set having a tube (14) and a roller clamp (1) provided and designed to regulate the flow of fluid through the tube (14), the roller clamp (1) comprising: a housing (2), which is U-shaped or C-shaped in cross section and has side walls (4) and a web (6) which connects the side walls (4) and on which the tube (14) rests; and a wheel (10), which is supported on running surfaces (8) in or on the side walls (4) of the housing (2) so as to be rotatable and so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the housing (2), wherein: the running surfaces (8) face the web (6), the lengths of the running surfaces extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing and the widths of the running surfaces extend in the transverse direction of the housing, and a movement of the wheel (10) along the running surfaces alters a cross section of the tube (14). The running surfaces (8) each form a substantially punctiform support or contact point (25) with the wheel (10), on an inner portion of the running surfaces (8), particularly an inner portion facing the wheel (10).