Medical Infusion Occluder Manual Override Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical infusion systems require precise control of fluid flow, but existing occluders lack reliable automatic and manual override mechanisms, especially in failure scenarios like power loss, which can lead to unintended fluid obstruction.
Innovation Solution
The occluder design includes a base with a pivotally movable occluding member, a biasing mechanism, and a grip member that can be manually or automatically actuated to control fluid flow, ensuring the occluder can be overridden even in a failed state, using a pneumatic actuator or spring bias to maintain obstruction or allow flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an occluder is designed to automatically occlude fluid flow, then fluid flow control is improved, but the ability to manually override the occlusion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The occluding member is designed to be dynamically positionable between an occluding position (blocking fluid flow) and a non-occluding position (allowing fluid flow). This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to switch between automatic occlusion mode and manual override mode, resolving the contradiction between automation and manual operability
Solution Approach 2:
A grip member serves as an intermediary element that allows manual actuation of the occluding member. The grip member can be manually moved to override the automatic occlusion mechanism, providing a mechanical interface between the user and the automated system without compromising either function
2Reliability
If a biasing member is used to maintain occlusion, then reliability of fluid control is improved, but the force required to manually override increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between biasing states. When manual override is needed, the grip member can be moved to a position that overcomes the biasing force, and the system maintains this new position without requiring continuous force application. This dynamic behavior reduces the effective force burden on the user while maintaining reliable control
3Ease of operation
If the occluding member is rotationally movable, then ease of manual operation is improved, but precision of occlusion control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The occluding member's rotation is segmented into distinct functional positions: a first position for occluding fluid flow and a second position for allowing fluid flow. By defining specific angular positions with distinct functions, the system maintains precise control over fluid flow states while allowing easy rotational manipulation between these discrete positions
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 design ensures reliable control of fluid flow in medical devices, allowing for safe manual override during power failures, maintaining patient safety by preventing fluid obstruction and facilitating easy tube removal or insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member exerting a biasing force on the occluding member. In one embodiment, the biasing force urges the occluding member to move into or remain in the first position
Implementation Method 2
a pneumatic actuator having a fluidic inlet and a piston movable from a first position to a second position when the fluidic inlet is pressurized
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to occluders and, in particular, to occluders for use in medical infusion systems. In one aspect, the occluder contains one or more tubes through which fluid can flow, and the occluder can be automatically controlled to allow or at least partially prevent fluid flow. In some cases, the occluder may be constructed and arranged to fail (e.g., due to loss of power) in a “closed” position, i.e., a position that at least partially prevents fluid flow. In addition, in one embodiment, the occluder may be manually overridden, even when in a failed state, by a user. For instance, in the event of a power failure, a user may be able to manually override the occluder to remove tubing from the occluder. Such occluders may find use, for example, in medical devices such as hemodialysis machines, medical infusion pumps, plasmapheresis devices, and the like.