IV Line Management Apparatus Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IV administration systems face issues with preferential delivery of secondary solutions when primary and secondary IV bags are connected, as solution can be pulled from both bags at inappropriate rates, and gravity feeding occurs at higher than desired flow rates in case of infusion pump failure.
Innovation Solution
A line management apparatus that monitors flow rates and independently controls the flow through separate tubes leading to each IV bag, allowing for precise switchover between bags only when the secondary bag is depleted, and provides a backup for limiting fluid flow in case of infusion pump failure, using metering clamps and a controller to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the secondary IV bag is elevated above the primary IV bag to achieve preferential delivery, then the secondary solution can be delivered preferentially, but solution may be pulled from both bags simultaneously at inappropriate rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical gravity-based flow control system with an electronically controlled metering clamp system. The metering clamps use electrical signals to precisely control the flow rate through each IV tube, substituting the unreliable gravitational preference mechanism with an active electronic control system that can independently regulate flow rates regardless of bag elevation.
2Productivity
If the secondary IV bag is elevated above the primary IV bag to achieve preferential delivery, then the secondary solution can be delivered preferentially, but in the event of infusion pump failure, gravity feeding occurs at higher than desired flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup control mechanism (metering clamps) that is activated when the primary infusion pump fails. These clamps are positioned to prevent excessive gravity-driven flow by providing a secondary control layer that can restrict flow rates even when the main pump is not functioning, thereby cushioning against the harmful effect of uncontrolled gravity feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The metering clamps serve as an intermediary control element between the gravity-driven flow and the patient. When the infusion pump fails, these clamps act as a mediator to regulate and limit the flow rate, preventing the direct uncontrolled gravity feeding that would otherwise occur from the elevated secondary bag.
3Measurement precision
If flow monitoring and independent tube control are implemented, then switchover between bags can occur precisely when secondary bag is depleted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors flow rates through sensors, controls multiple metering clamps independently, detects when the secondary bag is depleted, manages switchover between bags, and provides operator alerts. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flow monitoring system, the control system for metering clamps, the bag depletion detection, and the switchover management into an integrated apparatus. The controller unifies these previously separate functions, and the housing integrates the physical components, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Ensures superior management of piggyback IV administration by preventing simultaneous flow from both bags, maintaining sterile conditions, and providing a backup for infusion pump failures, while allowing for precise control and visual monitoring of fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flow rate sensor senses flow through the tubing assembly
Implementation Method 2
First and second metering clamps engage the primary IV tube and secondary IV tube respectively when the piggyback tubing assembly is received within the housing for controlling flow through the primary IV tube and secondary IV tube
Implementation Method 3
A controller comprising an electronic computer executing a stored program receives at least one signal from at least one flow rate sensor and provides electrical signals to the first and second metering clamps according to the stored program
Data Source
AI summary
A line management apparatus for managing multiple IV lines connected in a Y fitting provides for flow sensing and for electronic control of flow in the multiple lines. The line management apparatus may be used independently as a precise gravity feed IV system or may provide for use in combination with an infusion pump to ensure proper delivery of multiple solutions without blending of the multiple solutions.