Resilient IV Infusion Fitment for Air Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IV infusion systems face challenges with flow control and air-in-line detection, particularly with PVC tubing that experiences stress relaxation, leading to faulty readings and poor sensor functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
The IV infusion tubing fitment incorporates a combined pressure dome and flow control device with a resilient air-in-line sensor fitment made from materials like silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, which maintains contact with the sensor elements longer, and includes a clamping mechanism for secure fluid tight coupling, along with an integrated air-in-line sensor for reliable air detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PVC tubing is used in IV infusion systems, then the tubing is rigid and easy to handle, but the tubing experiences stress relaxation leading to poor sensor contact and faulty readings over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the fitment from rigid PVC-compatible material to a resilient material (silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) that maintains elastic properties. This allows the fitment to continuously apply pressure against the sensor face, compensating for tubing stress relaxation and maintaining reliable sensor contact throughout the infusion process.
2Reliability
If a resilient fitment material is used, then sensor contact is maintained longer, but the fitment material must be compatible with fluid infusion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resilient materials (silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) that combine elastic properties for sensor contact maintenance with biocompatibility and chemical resistance required for IV fluid infusion. These composite material properties ensure both reliable sensor functionality and safety for medical use.
3Reliability
If a clamping mechanism is added for secure coupling, then fluid tight connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping mechanism and fitment body into a single integrated component. The C-shaped clamp is formed as one piece with the fitment body, eliminating the need for separate clamping components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure, fluid-tight coupling of the tubing.
4Measurement precision
If the fitment maintains constant pressure against the sensor, then accurate air-in-line detection is achieved, but the fitment material must resist stress relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter to resilient materials (silicone or thermoplastic elastomer) that exhibit elastic recovery properties. These materials maintain constant pressure against the sensor face by recovering from deformation, preventing stress relaxation and ensuring accurate air-in-line detection throughout the infusion process.
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 provides reliable flow control and air-in-line monitoring, reducing false alarms and improving the longevity of sensor functionality by maintaining a secure coupling and resilient pressure against sensor faces, thus enhancing the reliability of IV infusion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient air-in-line sensor fitment made from materials like silicone or thermoplastic elastomer, which maintains contact with the sensor elements longer
Implementation Method 2
PVC tubing that experiences stress relaxation, leading to faulty readings and poor sensor functionality over time
Implementation Method 3
includes a clamping mechanism for secure fluid tight coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous infusion tubing fitment comprises a body, a rotatable knob coupled with the body, and a pressure dome seated within the knob. The body defines; a first inlet configured for coupling with a first segment of tubing; a first outlet into a pressure dome; a second inlet from the pressure dome; and a second outlet configured for coupling with a second segment of tubing. The knob defines an expansion opening within a surface of the knob. The pressure dome is formed of a flexible elastomeric material and defines a fluid flow path between the first outlet and the second inlet. The pressure dome includes a vane configured to variably regulate flow through the fluid flow path in response to rotation of the knob. The pressure dome is configured to expand through the expansion opening in response to fluid pressure in the fluid flow path.