Contrast Media Injector Inlet Valve System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current contrast media injector systems are limited in their ability to handle a wide range of viscosities and densities, restricting flexibility in medical procedures and requiring multiple systems for different media types.

Innovation Solution

A contrast media injector system with a syringe and inlet valve system that accommodates any viscosity and density of contrast media, using a valve member with adjustable density to ensure effective injection across a broad range of viscosities and specific gravities, allowing for the use of either high or low viscosity and density media with a single system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single injector system is used for all contrast media types, then system versatility is improved, but the system cannot effectively handle the wide range of viscosities and densities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidhandling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is designed to be movable between different positions (open and closed states) in response to pressure changes, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different contrast media viscosities and densities. The valve automatically adjusts its state based on the injection conditions, enabling a single system to handle varying media properties effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (valve opening/closing) based on the physical properties of the contrast media being injected. By monitoring pressure variations caused by different viscosities and densities, the valve member adjusts its position to optimize injection performance for each specific media type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple injector systems are used for different contrast media types, then handling capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single injector system is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different contrast media types through the pressure-responsive valve mechanism. The valve member automatically adapts to handle various viscosities and densities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems while maintaining comprehensive handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member operates autonomously by responding to pressure changes generated during injection of different contrast media. The system self-adjusts without requiring external control or manual intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to handle diverse media types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If high viscosity contrast media is used, then imaging quality is improved, but injection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidinjection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the injection of high viscosity contrast media by automatically adjusting its position in response to pressure changes. This mediator component enables smooth injection of viscous media that would otherwise be difficult to administer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If low viscosity contrast media is used, then injection ease is improved, but imaging quality may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection easeVSAvoidimaging quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses pressure feedback during injection to control the valve member's position. This feedback mechanism ensures that even low viscosity media is injected with appropriate control, maintaining imaging quality while preserving injection ease. The valve responds to pressure variations to optimize delivery for each media type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 flexible and efficient injection of various contrast media types, reducing the amount of media needed for procedures and enhancing physician control, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The valve member (350) is selectively positionable against the valve seat (400) to selectively allow contrast media into the syringe main body (18) through the inlet port (78)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10322277B2Contrast media injector syringe inlet valve system

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A syringe for injecting contrast injection media into a patient. An inlet valve system associated with the syringe, the inlet valve system operable with a contrast injection media having any viscosity within the range of about 1 cP to about 30 cP. An inlet valve system associated with the syringe, the inlet valve system including a valve member having a density of less than or equal to 1 gram per cubic centimeter. A contrast injector system with such a syringe.