Infusion Set Proximal Connector Actuation and Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion sets are prone to inaccurate and dangerous drug delivery due to bulkiness, susceptibility to contamination, flow fluctuations, and siphoning effects, and lack user comfort and ease of use, particularly in subcutaneous and intravenous medication administration.
Innovation Solution
An infusion set with a proximal connector that actuates the infusion pump via a sealed mechanism, featuring tubing with a narrow bore diameter to restrict flow and prevent siphoning, while being tolerant of air bubbles and designed for precise backpressure control, allowing for automated and controlled drug delivery through both subcutaneous and intravenous routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infusion sets are used, then drug delivery can be performed, but the system is bulky and susceptible to contamination and flow fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion set is divided into separate functional modules: a connector assembly with seal mechanism, a pump actuation mechanism, and a tubing system with flow control features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall complexity and bulkiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional infusion sets, retaining only the essential elements needed for safe and accurate drug delivery. This includes removing redundant protection mechanisms and simplifying the connector design while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional tubing is used, then fluid flow is maintained, but the system is susceptible to siphoning effects and flow fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The tubing incorporates pre-designed flow restriction features and check valve mechanisms that prevent siphoning effects before they can occur. The narrow bore sections and flow control elements are positioned to counteract gravitational siphoning and pressure fluctuations proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful siphoning effect into a beneficial flow control mechanism by using controlled narrow bore sections that create capillary pressure to regulate flow rate, transforming the siphoning problem into a precise flow metering feature.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then the infusion set can be operated, but it requires physical manipulation and is not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates automatic pump actuation features that trigger infusion pump operation upon proper connection. The system self-regulates flow initiation and maintains operation without requiring manual button pressing or complex user intervention, making it highly user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic actuation mechanisms. The connector includes sensors and actuation features that automatically initiate and control pump operation, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and improving ease of use.
4Reliability
If standard connectors are used, then connection can be made, but the system is susceptible to contamination and lacks sealed mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges the sealing function, contamination barrier, and pump actuation features into a single integrated component. This consolidation provides comprehensive protection against contamination while maintaining simplicity and reducing the number of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides: (1) sealed connection to prevent contamination, (2) automatic pump actuation, and (3) flow path establishment. This universal design reduces complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 solution provides a safer, more accurate, and comfortable infusion system that minimizes contamination and flow fluctuations, ensuring precise drug delivery and user convenience by regulating flow rates and preventing occlusions, even with air bubbles present.
Implementation Method 1
tubing with a narrow bore diameter to restrict flow and prevent siphoning, while being tolerant of air bubbles and designed for precise backpressure control
Implementation Method 2
a proximal connector that actuates the infusion pump via a sealed mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary infusion set includes a tubing, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector connects a first terminus of the tubing to an exit port of an infusion pump, providing fluid communication between fluid being conveyed by the infusion pump and the tubing. The second connector connects a second terminus of the tubing to a delivery module, providing fluid communication between the tubing and the delivery module. Full engagement of the first connector and the exit port of the infusion pump actuates operation of the infusion pump.