Infusion Flow Indicator With Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambulatory patients face challenges in determining the status of fluid flow in their infusion systems, leading to potential infections and hazardous chemical exposure due to the need for frequent disconnection and monitoring of infusion pumps, which are often cumbersome and require bed confinement.
Innovation Solution
A status indicator device with a flexible membrane and flow restrictors that visually or tactily indicate fluid flow status through an infusion line, allowing patients to monitor flow rates and detect occlusions without disconnection, and can also function as a bolus device for pain management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If patients frequently disconnect the pump from the catheter to verify fluid flow status, then they can determine if fluid is flowing, but this exposes the infusion line to outside contaminants creating infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow indicator device as an intermediary component that remains connected to the infusion line while providing flow status information. This mediator allows patients to monitor fluid flow without disconnecting the catheter, thus eliminating infection risk while maintaining continuous flow verification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical verification method (disconnecting and observing drops) with a visual indicator system. The flow indicator uses a chamber and indicator mechanism that translates fluid flow status into visible signals, allowing patients to determine flow status without physical disconnection of the infusion line
2Reliability
If traditional infusion pumps are used, then fluid can be delivered to patients, but patients require bed confinement and constant professional monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the infusion system into separate functional components: the infusion pump, the catheter, and the flow indicator device. This segmentation allows the flow indicator to be independently attached to the infusion line, enabling patients to monitor flow status without requiring constant professional presence while maintaining reliable fluid delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The flow indicator device enables patients to independently monitor their own infusion status without requiring professional assistance. By providing clear visual feedback about fluid flow, the device allows patients to self-verify proper operation, reducing dependency on constant medical supervision
3Ease of operation
If flow indicator devices are integrated into infusion systems, then patients can easily monitor fluid flow status, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow indication function as a separate, standalone device that can be attached to existing infusion lines. Rather than complicating the entire infusion system, the flow indicator is designed as an independent component with its own chamber and indicator mechanism, minimizing integration complexity while maximizing monitoring ease
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 patients to easily monitor fluid flow status and administer medications accurately, reducing infection risks and allowing ambulatory use without the need for constant professional assistance, while providing a safe and reliable method for delivering precise medication doses.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane disposed at the indicator opening in contact with fluid in the cavity, the membrane having a moveable membrane portion configured to move in relation to the opening in response to pressure of fluid in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion status indicator disposed in the medical infusion line includes a housing with an opening through which the status of the infusion may be determined. A flexible membrane is located at the opening to indicate the status of fluid in the cavity. A recessed flexible membrane indicates insufficient flow of medical fluid into the cavity from the fluid supply, a level flexible membrane indicates correct flow of fluid through the indicator, and a concave flexible membrane indicates an insufficient flow of medical fluid out of the cavity, possibly indicating an occlusion of the fluid line downstream of the indicator. Check valves may be included upstream and downstream of the cavity so that a bolus of fluid may be forced out of the cavity to the patient by pressing the flexible membrane into the cavity.