IV Check Valve Screen for Contaminant Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contaminants in intravenous (IV) fluid delivery systems can interfere with the operation of check valves, leading to improper sealing and potential backflow of drugs, compromising the accuracy and timing of drug delivery due to embedded particles in the diaphragm or seal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a screen and internal structural features within the check valve to trap contaminant particles away from the sealing area, ensuring a reliable fluid flow path and preventing backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is used to prevent backflow in IV fluid delivery systems, then fluid flow control is improved, but contaminant particles can embed in the diaphragm or seal surface causing improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
A screen is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid inlet and the valve seat. The screen acts as a mediator that intercepts contaminant particles from the fluid stream before they can reach and embed in the diaphragm or seal surface, thereby protecting the sealing function while maintaining fluid flow control
2Ease of manufacture
If the check valve structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contaminant protection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is segmented into distinct functional zones: a screening zone with the screen structure for contaminant capture, and a sealing zone with the diaphragm and valve seat for fluid control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the screen for contaminant protection and the sealing surfaces for reliable closure - while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity
3Reliability
If a screen is added to protect the sealing area from contaminants, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is merged with the valve body structure rather than being a separate removable component. The screen is positioned and secured within the existing valve housing, combining the filtering function with the structural framework. This integration minimizes additional parts and assembly steps while providing effective contaminant protection
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 effectively isolates contaminant particles from the seal area, maintaining the integrity of the check valve's sealing function and ensuring accurate and timely drug delivery by preventing backflow, thus enhancing the reliability of IV administration systems.
Implementation Method 1
A screen is disposed in the body between the inlet and the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
A valve seat is provided in the body with a diaphragm responsive to fluid flow through the body
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way check valve in an IV system set is provided with structural features to capture contaminant particles and inhibit the particles from adversely impacting the performance of the check valve. A screen can be provided upstream of the valve seat and the valve may be provided with flow channels for accumulating the particles. Modifications of the valve seat provide open volumes for accumulating contaminants.