Ambulatory Infusion Pump Cassette Free Flow Prevention Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peristaltic infusion pumps face the issue of unintentional fluid flow due to gravity, known as free flow, which can occur when the force of gravity causes fluid to flow from a bottle or bag to a patient without control.
Innovation Solution
A cassette with a free flow prevention clamp is designed for ambulatory infusion pumps, featuring a clamping section that can be configured to allow fluid flow when force is applied and prevent flow when the force is removed, using an actuator assembly and fulcrums to shift the clamp between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a peristaltic pump is used to deliver fluid from a bottle or bag, then the pump can control fluid flow rate, but gravity may cause unintentional fluid flow (free flow) when the pump is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-configured in a closed position that prevents free flow before the pump is activated. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically maintains the closed state during storage and transport, counteracting gravitational force on the fluid column. When the pump is activated, the clamp opens to allow controlled flow, then automatically returns to closed position to prevent free flow during pauses in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism is self-regulating through its spring-loaded design. It automatically transitions between closed and open states based on pump operation without requiring external control. The spring continuously exerts force to maintain the closed position, and the pump's activation pressure simply needs to overcome this spring force to open the clamp, after which the system self-manages the flow control.
2Reliability
If a clamp is used to prevent free flow, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the clamp must be manually operated which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is self-regulating through its spring-loaded design. It automatically transitions between closed and open states based on pump operation without requiring external control. The spring continuously exerts force to maintain the closed position, and the pump's activation pressure simply needs to overcome this spring force to open the clamp, after which the system self-manages the flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp's mechanical state changes automatically in response to pump operation parameters. When the pump activates, pressure changes in the system automatically trigger the clamp to open. When the pump pauses or stops, the spring force automatically returns the clamp to its closed position. This automatic parameter-driven state change eliminates the need for manual operation or complex electronic controls.
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
Effectively prevents unintentional fluid flow by ensuring the clamp is in a closed position when not attached to the pump, allowing controlled fluid delivery and maintaining an open state during attachment for uninterrupted flow.
Implementation Method 1
The free flow prevention clamp includes a clamping section... configurable within the housing via an actuator assembly in an open condition that allows fluid flow through the tube when force is applied to one of the clamp sides and in a closed condition that prevents fluid flow through the tube when the force is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette with free flow prevention for use with an ambulatory pump. The cassette includes a free flow prevention clamp and a housing. The free flow prevention clamp includes a clamping section having a first clamp side and a second clamp side. The housing supports the free flow prevention clamp and defines a channel for receiving a tube. The first and second clamp sides extend parallel to the channel and the clamping section extends across the channel. The free flow prevention clamp is configurable within the housing via an actuator assembly in an open condition that allows fluid flow through the tube when force is applied to the clamping section and in a closed condition that prevents fluid flow through the tube when the force is removed from the clamping section.