IV Filter Vent Hole Radiation Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV filter devices face challenges with gas presence, as hydrophobic membrane air vents can be compromised by sterilization methods like radiation, leading to potential fluid leaks and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The IV filter device incorporates a hydrophobic gas filter with a vent hole design that blocks or attenuates e-beam radiation, and optionally includes a shroud or porous plug to protect the membrane during sterilization, ensuring effective gas venting without compromising the filter's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophobic membrane air vents are used to vent gas while preventing liquid passage, then gas venting capability is improved, but the membrane is compromised by sterilization radiation leading to degradation and potential fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A radiation-shielding intermediary layer is introduced between the sterilization radiation source and the hydrophobic membrane. This intermediary component absorbs or blocks the radiation before it reaches the membrane, protecting the membrane from degradation while allowing the gas venting function to continue uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is segmented into distinct functional layers: a radiation-shielding layer, a hydrophobic membrane layer for gas venting, and a liquid filter layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, with the radiation-shielding layer protecting the hydrophobic membrane from sterilization damage.
2Reliability
If sterilization methods using radiation or e-beams are applied to manufacture IV filter devices, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the hydrophobic membrane material properties are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A radiation-shielding intermediary layer is positioned between the sterilization radiation and the hydrophobic membrane. This intermediary absorbs the radiation energy, allowing effective sterilization of the device while preventing the radiation from degrading the membrane's material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation-shielding layer is incorporated into the device structure beforehand to cushion or absorb the sterilization radiation before it can reach and damage the hydrophobic membrane. This protective measure is built into the manufacturing design to prevent material degradation during the sterilization process.
3Productivity
If vent holes are made larger to improve gas venting, then gas flow is improved, but the risk of contamination through the vent increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the vent system have different properties: the vent hole is designed with specific dimensions to allow gas flow, while a hydrophobic membrane is positioned to selectively permit gas while blocking liquid and contaminants. This local differentiation of properties enables effective gas venting without increasing contamination risk.
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
This design effectively prevents gas entry into the filter device, maintains the hydrophobic membrane's integrity during sterilization, and ensures safe filtration of medications, reducing the risk of fluid leaks and enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic gas filter disposed inside or outside the housing at the vent hole. The hydrophobic gas filter can prevent entry of contaminants into the interior chamber via the vent hole
Implementation Method 2
The vent hole can be shaped to block e-beam radiation from reaching the hydrophobic gas filter or attenuate the e-beam radiation directed toward the hydrophobic gas filter
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophilic filtration media disposed inside the interior chamber of the housing. The hydrophilic filtration media can filter the liquid medication between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous (IV) medication filter device can include a housing having a medication inlet, a medication outlet, and a gas vent. The filter device can include a hydrophobic gas filter inside the housing between the inlet and the gas vent and between the gas vent and the outlet. The hydrophobic gas filter can prevent medication received into the housing via the inlet from existing the housing via the gas vent. The hydrophobic gas filter can permit gas in the housing to exit the housing through the hydrophobic gas filter via the gas vent. The vent hole can have a shape that prevents sterilizing radiation directed at the gas vent from reaching the hydrophobic gas filter. Optionally, a porous plug may be inserted into the gas vent and/or a radiation shroud may be positioned over the gas vent to protect the gas vent from being damaged by the sterilizing radiation.