Self-Priming IV Set with Bubble Isolation Membrane

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IV sets face challenges in completely removing air bubbles during priming, which can lead to air embolism and contamination, requiring time-consuming and attention-intensive processes that divert resources from patient care.

Innovation Solution

The IV set incorporates a drip chamber with a bubble isolation membrane and a flow control plug with hydrophobic material to prevent air bubbles from entering the patient conduit, allowing air to escape while maintaining laminar fluid flow and preventing liquid exit, thus ensuring a self-priming and bubble-free system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional priming methods are used to remove air bubbles from IV sets, then air bubbles can be removed from the tubing, but the process is time-consuming and requires constant user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair bubble removalVSAvoidpriming time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The IV set incorporates a bubble isolation membrane and flow control mechanisms that automatically prevent air bubbles from entering the patient conduit during fluid administration. The system self-regulates to maintain bubble-free flow without requiring continuous manual intervention or time-consuming priming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A bubble isolation membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the drip chamber and patient conduit. This membrane selectively isolates air bubbles while permitting fluid passage, automatically preventing bubbles from reaching the patient without requiring manual bubble removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional priming methods are used to remove air bubbles, then air bubbles can be removed from the tubing, but contamination risk increases due to touching sterile ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair bubble removalVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble isolation membrane and flow control system automatically prevent air bubbles from entering the patient conduit during fluid administration. The system self-regulates to maintain bubble-free flow without requiring continuous manual intervention or time-consuming priming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A bubble isolation membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the drip chamber and patient conduit. This membrane selectively isolates air bubbles while permitting fluid passage, automatically preventing bubbles from reaching the patient without requiring manual bubble removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If flow rate out of drip chamber is increased to speed up priming, then priming time is reduced, but air bubbles are sucked into the tubing forming a bubble ladder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepriming speedVSAvoidair bubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The IV set incorporates a bubble isolation membrane and flow control mechanisms that automatically prevent air bubbles from entering the patient conduit during fluid administration. The system self-regulates to maintain bubble-free flow without requiring continuous manual intervention or time-consuming priming procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A bubble isolation membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the drip chamber and patient conduit. This membrane selectively isolates air bubbles while permitting fluid passage, automatically preventing bubbles from reaching the patient without requiring manual bubble removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables a self-priming IV set that reduces the risk of air embolism, minimizes contamination, and streamlines the priming process, allowing for efficient and continuous fluid administration without constant user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a bubble isolation membrane or other device disposed within the drip chamber that prevents air bubbles from passing through the drip chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBubble isolation: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

a flow control plug disposed at a distal end of the patient conduit, wherein the flow control plug is permeable to air but impermeable to liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic material: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS8282608B2Self priming intravenous delivery system

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A bubble free, self-priming IV set for use in the administration of liquids includes a coupling assembly for attaching the delivery system to a source of liquid and includes a coupling membrane for controlling the flow of liquid and air through the coupling assembly. The system also includes a drip chamber for receiving liquid through the coupling assembly, the drip chamber having a membrane for preventing air from leaving the drip chamber. A self leveling port is disposed within a wall of the drip chamber, the port being permeable to air, but impermeable to liquid. Finally, a patient conduit is in fluid communication with the drip chamber and further comprises a flow control plug disposed at the distal end of the conduit. The flow control plug is permeable to air but impermeable to liquid. Use of this system allows a clinician to attach a source of fluid to a patient without significant intervention, while the system self primes.