Infusion Line Flow Component with Venturi Dead Space Flushing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical infusion/transfusion lines, a dead space between the one-way valve and the main duct leads to stagnation of secondary liquid and air due to the restricted space, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.

Innovation Solution

The main duct features an axial section with a convergent-divergent profile, creating a venturi effect that transfers kinetic energy from the primary liquid flow to eliminate stagnation by using the flow as an ejector to flush out the secondary liquid and air from the dead space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a one-way valve with elastic diaphragm is used to enable secondary liquid introduction, then the functionality of medical infusion/transfusion lines is improved, but a dead space is created between the valve and main duct causing stagnation of secondary liquid and air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of secondary liquid introductionVSAvoidstagnation of secondary liquid and air
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful dead space volume by creating a communication passage that connects the chamber to the main duct, effectively removing the stagnant zone from the system. The passage allows continuous flow through what would otherwise be a dead space, extracting the harmful stagnation effect while preserving the valve's one-way functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication passage acts as an intermediary element between the chamber and main duct. This intermediary structure enables the primary liquid flow to reach the chamber area and eliminate stagnation, while allowing the one-way valve to continue functioning as intended. The passage mediates between the conflicting requirements of maintaining valve functionality and eliminating dead space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the space between the one-way valve and main duct is restricted, then the device structure is compact, but the restricted space creates a dead space that causes stagnation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of device structureVSAvoidstagnation in dead space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the flow path by creating a distinct communication passage separate from the main duct. This segmentation allows the compact chamber structure to be maintained while providing a dedicated flow channel that prevents stagnation. The passage divides the space into functional zones: the compact chamber for valve operation and the flow-through passage for eliminating dead space effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the main duct is modified with a convergent-divergent profile to create venturi effect, then the kinetic energy transfer to eliminate stagnation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of stagnationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of main duct
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the main duct by introducing a convergent-divergent profile in a localized area. This parameter modification creates the venturi effect that accelerates flow and eliminates stagnation. The localized nature of this modification minimizes manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired hydrodynamic effect for stagnation elimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively prevents stagnation and ensures continuous flushing of the secondary liquid and air from the dead space, enhancing the functionality of medical infusion/transfusion lines.

Implementation Method 1

the main duct has, in an area corresponding to the one-way valve, an axial section with a wall having a convergent-divergent profile... produces in use the effect of an ejector, thanks to which the kinetic energy possessed by the flow of the liquid within the main duct itself is partially transferred to the dead space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the one-way valve, typically including an elastic-diaphragm open-close element... the open-close element of which consists of an elastic diaphragm housed within a chamber and normally set in hermetic contact against an annular valve seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7556060B2Flow component for medical infusion / transfusion lines
Publication Date: 2009.07.07 IND BORLA SPA
  • US7556060B2 patent drawing
  • US7556060B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flow component for medical infusion/transfusion lines comprises a main duct and a lateral tubular connection containing a one-way valve, in an area corresponding to which the main duct has an axial section with a wall having a convergent-divergent profile.