Multi-line IV Connector Acute Angle Branches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-line connectors for intravenous medication infusion suffer from significant 'dead volume' and backflow issues, which can lead to incomplete medication delivery and prolonged delivery times due to stagnation and reverse fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A multi-line connective device with branches extending at an acute angle to the main flow passage, combined with raised surface features inside the main passage to promote turbulence, minimizes dead volume and backflow while ensuring unidirectional flow, enhancing mixing of primary and secondary IV liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If branches extend at right angles to the main flow passage, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but dead volume increases and backflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring branch passages to extend at acute angles (30-60 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the main flow passage, rather than the conventional right-angle configuration. This asymmetric angular arrangement optimizes fluid dynamics to reduce dead volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through extrusion processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If branches extend at right angles to the main flow passage, then the connector structure is simple, but backflow through the main flow passage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric acute-angle configuration of branch passages creates favorable flow patterns that prevent backflow. The angled entry points of the branches into the main passage create flow directionality that counteracts reverse flow, while the overall structure remains suitable for conventional manufacturing methods.
3Loss of substance
If dead volume is reduced by optimizing branch angles, then medication delivery completeness improves, but mixing of IV liquids may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating turbulence-promoting features specifically at strategic locations within the main flow passage where mixing is most needed. These localized modifications create turbulent flow zones that enhance mixing of primary and secondary IV liquids without requiring changes to the overall branch passage angular configuration that would increase dead volume.
4Stability of the object's composition
If turbulence is increased to improve mixing, then medication mixing quality improves, but unidirectional flow may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence-promoting features are designed with specific geometric characteristics (such as ribs, dimples, or angled surfaces) that generate controlled turbulence only in localized regions. These features create chaotic mixing zones while the overall flow path maintains its unidirectional character through the optimized acute-angle branch configurations and smooth flow paths in non-turbulent regions.
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 reduces dead volume and backflow, ensuring complete and timely delivery of medication by promoting unidirectional flow and efficient mixing of IV liquids, thereby improving the infusion process.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of main flow passage is provided with a raised surface feature or discontinuity that promotes sufficient turbulence in the fluid flowing therethrough to provide good mixing of the primary IV liquid with the supplemental or secondary liquid(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.