IV Roller Clamp Assembly With Elastomeric Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller clamps for IV sets experience flow rate drift due to the flexible tubing altering its shape over time, leading to inaccurate fluid delivery rates when left in a set position for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an elastomeric feature with reduced compression set performance, such as silicone rubber or TPU, within the clamp assembly to maintain accurate flow rates by using an elastomeric segment or membrane that resists deformation, coupled with a flow-regulating member that remains in a set position until manually adjusted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional roller clamp with flexible tubing is used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the flow rate drifts over time due to tubing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the tubing from standard flexible IV tubing to an elastomeric material with specifically engineered compression set resistance. This parameter change allows the tubing to maintain its compressed shape over time, preventing flow rate drift while keeping the overall clamp structure similar to traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by integrating an elastomeric segment or membrane into the clamp assembly. This elastomeric material combines the flexibility needed for IV fluid administration with resistance to compression set, creating a composite structure that solves the flow rate drift problem without requiring complete redesign of the clamp mechanism.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the roller clamp is left in a set position for extended periods, then continuous infusion is maintained, but the flexible tubing creeps and alters its shape causing flow rate change
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material acts as a pre-engineered cushioning element that resists compression set before it can cause flow rate drift. By selecting an elastomeric material with specific compression set properties, the patent prevents the tubing from permanently deforming under the roller clamp's pressure, maintaining flow rate consistency over extended periods.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard IV tubing is used in the roller clamp, then the system is simple and compatible with standard components, but the tubing alters its shape over time leading to inaccurate delivery rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using standard IV tubing for most of the infusion set while incorporating a specific section of elastomeric tubing or membrane at the clamp location. This localized change maintains compatibility with standard components throughout the rest of the system while providing the precision needed for accurate flow rate control at the critical clamp point.
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 elastomeric feature ensures stable and accurate fluid flow rates over time, preventing slippage and maintaining precise delivery without the need for frequent re-adjustment, thus enhancing the reliability of IV fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric segment disposed between the two opposing side walls and the guide wall, the elastomeric segment having a lower compression set performance than the compression set performance of first and second IV tubes of the infusion set
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for adjusting the fluid flow rate in an infusion set is provided. The clamp assembly includes a housing having two opposing side walls spaced apart from each other and having opposing guide grooves, a guide wall disposed between the side walls, an elastomeric segment disposed between the two opposing side walls and the guide wall, the elastomeric segment having a lower compression set performance that the compression set performance of first and second IV tubes of the infusion set, and first and second tubing ports. A flow-regulating member is seated in the guide grooves and is configured to remain in a set position during use of the infusion set based on the compression set performance of the elastomeric segment until the roller wheel is moved by a user. A method of operating a clamp assembly is also provided.