Locating Finger Mechanism for Secure Administration Set Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing administration feeding sets often become improperly installed or dislodged on flow control apparatuses, leading to inaccurate fluid delivery to patients due to misalignment of the valve mechanism, which can result in low flow alarms and the need for re-loading.
Innovation Solution
The administration feeding set incorporates a locating finger that engages with a movable locating member on the flow control apparatus, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the apparatus from moving into an operating position unless correctly seated, thereby verifying the correct installation and preventing dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional valve mechanism is used on the feeding set, then the pump can deliver fluid, but the feeding set may become improperly installed or dislodged leading to inaccurate fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The locating finger is pre-positioned on the tubing at a specific location to engage with the locating member on the pump shaft before the feeding set is fully loaded. This preliminary engagement action guides the loading process and ensures correct positioning of the valve mechanism, preventing improper installation or dislodgment during operation.
2Reliability
If the valve mechanism is not properly seated on the shaft, then the pump may deliver inaccurate fluid amounts, but adding securing features increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locating finger acts as an intermediary element between the tubing and the locating member on the pump shaft. This simple mechanical intermediary provides a positive engagement feature that ensures proper seating of the valve mechanism without requiring complex locking or securing mechanisms, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If the pump set is misaligned in the pump, then low flow alarms are generated requiring examination and re-loading, but implementing verification features increases operational time
Solution Approach 1:
The locating finger and locating member arrangement enables the feeding set to self-verify its correct installation position. When the locating finger properly engages with the locating member, it automatically confirms correct alignment and seating of the valve mechanism, eliminating the need for manual verification steps and reducing operational time while ensuring operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The feeding set includes tubing adapted to extend from the fluid source for flow of fluid through the tubing from the fluid source toward a patient. A locating finger projects outwardly from the tubing and is positioned on the tubing so that when received on the flow control apparatus in an operating position the finger permits a locating member of the flow control apparatus to close. However, when the tubing is received on the flow control apparatus in a non-operating position the finger does not permit the locating member to close thereby to verify whether the tubing is in the operating position on the flow control apparatus.