IV Fluid Dispensing Chamber with Pressure-Operated Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravenous fluid administration systems are laborious, time-consuming, and generate significant waste due to the need for multiple syringes and repeated sterilization processes when flushing IV lines, especially when administering different fluids.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a reservoir pump that automatically refills with flushing fluid and a pressure-operated valve to efficiently dispense and flush IV fluids, eliminating the need for syringe repositioning and reducing waste by using a chamber with multiple connector ports to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional syringes and stopcocks are used for flushing IV lines, then the flushing function can be performed, but the process becomes laborious, time-consuming, and generates significant waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The chamber integrates the stopcock functionality, multiple syringe connections, and flushing mechanisms into one device. The reservoir pump combines fluid storage, pressurization, and automated dispensing functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate syringes and manual sterilization steps, directly improving flushing efficiency while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir pump system performs automated refilling and fluid dispensing without requiring manual intervention for each flushing operation. The pump automatically refills from the IV fluid bag and dispenses precise volumes through the chamber. This self-service capability eliminates repetitive manual tasks, significantly improving productivity and reducing the time required for multiple flushing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple syringes are used for different IV fluids, then different fluids can be administered, but the cost increases and environmental waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed with multiple connector ports that can accommodate different syringes and fluid sources. The pressure-operated valve system can direct different fluids from different sources through the same chamber and delivery system. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various IV fluids (medications, flushes, nutrients) using a single reusable chamber, reducing disposable waste while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses the chamber and associated components across multiple flushing operations and different fluid administrations. Instead of discarding syringes and connectors after each use, the reusable chamber system allows repeated use, significantly reducing material waste while maintaining the ability to administer different IV fluids through proper sterilization and connection protocols.
3Device complexity
If the same port is used for injecting different IV fluid and flushing IV fluid, then the number of ports is reduced, but the port must be sterilized repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber divides the fluid delivery system into separate functional zones with dedicated connector ports. Each port can be independently connected to different fluid sources (IV bag, syringe, reservoir). This segmentation allows different fluids to be introduced through separate access points, reducing the need for repeated sterilization of a single shared port while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
4Productivity
If IV bag is squeezed to force IV fluid through stopcock and tubing, then flushing can be performed, but the spike and drip chamber may be flooded and an inaccurate quantity is administered
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir pump system incorporates volume measurement and control mechanisms that provide feedback on the amount of fluid dispensed. The pump can be programmed to deliver precise volumes (e.g., 10mL, 20mL flushes) and tracks the actual delivered volume. This feedback control ensures accurate flushing quantities are administered, eliminating the over/under-delivery problems associated with manual IV bag squeezing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical squeezing of the IV bag with an automated reservoir pump system. The pump uses controlled mechanical or electromechanical means to pressurize and dispense fluids at precise rates and volumes. This substitution eliminates the uncontrolled flooding of chambers and inaccurate volume delivery inherent in manual squeezing methods, while maintaining efficient flushing capability.
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 solution significantly reduces time, cost, and environmental waste by automating the flushing process, allowing for efficient and accurate administration of multiple IV fluids without the need for frequent syringe changes and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir pump configured to automatically refill itself with a predetermined amount of the flushing IV fluid from the IV fluid source
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-operated valve configured to, during operation, dispense the IV fluids to the tubing downstream of the pressure-operated valve based on a pressure condition within the pressure-operated valve exceeding a threshold pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject, and of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration apparatus, are provided. The apparatus may include a chamber including a plurality of connector ports and be configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream source via a first connector port and, during operation, pass therethrough to downstream tubing, under a first pressure condition, first fluid from the upstream source via a second connector port. A third connector port may be configured to connect to an end of tubing or a valve connector such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to, under a second, higher pressure condition, pass therethrough to the downstream tubing a second fluid from a second fluid source via the third and second connector ports, prevent first fluid flow into the downstream tubing, and prevent second fluid flow through the first connector port.