Circular IV Roller Clamp With Curved Guide for Stable Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller clamps for IV sets provide limited flow rate control resolution, are prone to slippage, and require manual adjustment, making precise fluid flow regulation difficult and unsuitable for automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A circular roller clamp assembly with a semi-circular housing and a movable roller within a guide groove, controlled by a motor, allowing for precise flow rate adjustment through circumferential movement and integration with smart controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a typical roller clamp uses a linear housing with a short length, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate control resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional linear housing with a circular housing structure. The roller wheel moves along a circular path within the housing, creating a curved engagement geometry with the IV tube. This circular configuration increases the effective engagement length and provides finer flow rate control resolution while maintaining a compact device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If a typical roller clamp uses a small roller wheel, then the device size is compact, but the roller wheel is too sensitive and causes large flow rate changes with small movements
Solution Approach 1:
The circular housing provides a curved path that reduces the sensitivity of the roller wheel to small movements. As the roller wheel travels along the circular arc, the effective leverage and engagement geometry change continuously, providing more stable flow rate control. The circular configuration distributes the movement over a longer arc length, reducing the impact of small positional changes on flow rate.
3Extent of automation
If a typical roller clamp is designed for manual operation, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be integrated with automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The circular roller clamp assembly is designed with universal applicability for both manual and automated operation. The roller wheel engagement mechanism with the circular housing provides a standardized interface that can be actuated by either manual rotation or automated motors. This multi-functional design allows the same basic structure to serve in diverse application scenarios without requiring separate designs for manual versus automated systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a typical roller clamp uses a linear housing, then the guide groove is simple, but it provides limited range of flow rate control
Solution Approach 1:
The circular housing incorporates a curved guide groove that follows the circular path of the roller wheel. This curved geometry provides a longer effective engagement length compared to a linear housing of the same compact dimensions. The circular guide groove allows the roller wheel to traverse a greater arc length, enabling a wider range of flow rate control while maintaining a space-efficient design.
Data Source
AI summary
A circular roller clamp assembly includes a semi-circular housing configured to receive a portion of an IV tube and a roller coupled to an arm, the roller configured to be movably received by a guide groove disposed in the semi-circular housing. The roller clamp assembly is configured to regulate a flow rate of fluid flowing through the IV tube based on engagement of the roller with the IV tube via circumferential movement of the roller along the guide groove. IV sets with circular roller clamp assemblies and methods of operating circular roller clamp assemblies are also provided.