Two-Part Infusion Drip Chamber With Adhesive Grip Ring Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion sets with drip chambers face challenges in manufacturing complexity, material compatibility, and inefficiency, particularly due to the need for a complex injection molding process and limited material choices that affect transparency and elasticity, leading to high costs and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A two-part drip chamber design comprising a rigid upper body made of thermoplastic polymers like ABS or PC and a flexible lower body made of TPE or PVC, connected with an adhesive material, forming a leak-proof ergonomic grip ring for improved manipulation and air prevention, with a hydrophilic membrane for fluid regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a complex injection molding process is used to form the grip ring on the drip chamber, then the grip ring can be formed with opaque polymer material, but the manufacturing complexity and equipment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The drip chamber is divided into two separate parts: an upper transparent part and a lower pumpable part. The grip ring is formed by the interface between these two parts rather than by molding onto the surface, eliminating the need for complex injection molding equipment while achieving the same functional result of providing a graspable elevation.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip ring function is merged with the structural interface between the upper and lower parts of the drip chamber. Instead of adding a separate molded component, the elevation is created by the combination of the two parts joined at their circular ring-shaped ends, simplifying the manufacturing process.
2Shape
If materials are selected for transparency and elasticity requirements, then the upper part transparency and lower part elasticity are optimized, but the material compatibility for safe joining becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive material acts as an intermediary between the upper transparent part and lower pumpable part. This adhesive mediator enables the joining of materials with different properties (transparent rigid material and flexible pumpable material) that would otherwise be incompatible, expanding material selection while ensuring safe, leak-proof connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The drip chamber utilizes composite construction with different materials for the upper and lower parts, joined by adhesive. This allows each part to be made from materials optimized for its specific function (transparent material for viewing, flexible material for pumping) while the adhesive composite structure ensures compatibility and secure joining.
3Ease of operation
If the grip ring is formed by molding onto the outer surface, then it provides secure grasping, but it requires a separate manufacturing step increasing production effort
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring function is merged with the structural interface between the upper and lower parts. The elevation for grasping is created by the interface itself rather than by a separate molded feature, eliminating the need for a separate manufacturing step and improving production efficiency while maintaining ease of manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the drip chamber into two parts with circular ring-shaped ends, the grip ring function is achieved through the segmentation interface. This eliminates the need for additional molding steps on the surface, as the graspable elevation is inherently created by the two-part construction.
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 ensures reliable, cost-effective, and customizable infusion sets that prevent air embolism and phlebitis, maintaining consistent fluid flow and reducing manufacturing complexity while allowing for diverse patient applications.
Implementation Method 1
The preformed circular ring shape region of first part or upper body and the preformed circular ring shape region of second part or lower body are intended to be securely couple in a leak-proof manner by adhesive material
Data Source
AI summary
The two-part drip chamber includes an upper body made of a material containing one or more of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or Polycarbonate (PC) and a lower body made of a material containing one or more of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) or Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC). A distal end region of the upper body is preformed in a circular ring shape, and a proximal end region of the lower body is preformed in a circular ring shape. The preformed circular ring shape region at the distal end of the upper body and the preformed circular ring shape region at the proximal end of the lower body are securely coupled in a leak-proof manner by an adhesive material selected from one or more of Cyclohexanone or Cyclohexanone with Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) resins, thereby producing an ergonomic elevated grip structure.