Locking Drip Chamber Regulator for Accurate Infusion Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion sets face challenges in accurately controlling infusion fluid administration, preventing air entry and blood backflow, and requiring frequent manual checks due to the separate design of infusion regulators and drip chambers, which complicates assembly and increases the risk of unintended operation.
Innovation Solution
A regulator-integrated drip chamber with a locking device and flow rate sensor, incorporating a locking mechanism to prevent accidental operation and a flow rate control system to ensure precise infusion according to preset amounts, along with a liquid level sensor to monitor residual fluid and adjust infusion accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the regulator and drip chamber are provided as separate components, then each component can be designed and manufactured independently, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the regulator and drip chamber into a single unified component structure. The regulator body forms an integral part of the drip chamber assembly, eliminating the need for separate connection interfaces and reducing the number of assembly steps. This merging approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing device complexity and assembly complications.
2Device complexity
If the regulator is provided on the supply hose separately, then the drip chamber design is simplified, but the overall device size increases and space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is integrated within the drip chamber body, creating a compact unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate regulator housing and connection components on the supply hose, significantly reducing the overall volume of the infusion set while maintaining functional simplicity of the drip chamber design.
3Ease of operation
If the regulator is accessible without locking mechanism, then operation is convenient for adjustment, but accidental operation by patients or third parties may cause malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged or disengaged by a simple pressing motion on the locking pin, allowing authorized users to quickly lock or unlock the regulator. This preliminary action approach maintains ease of operation for intended adjustments while providing reliable protection against accidental operation during infusion.
4Extent of automation
If floating members are used to block discharge hole, then liquid level detection is achieved, but accurate sealing of the discharge hole becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the floating member mechanical blocking system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of a magnetic float or magnetic particles in the fluid, enabling accurate liquid level detection without requiring physical sealing of the discharge hole. This substitution maintains automated detection capability while eliminating the sealing accuracy problem.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a regulator-integrated drip chamber having a locking device and an infusion set comprising same and, more specifically, to a regulator-integrated drip chamber having a locking device, the drip chamber being connected to an infusion bag such that the infusion solution in the infusion bag is supplied thereto. The drip chamber comprises: a body unit connected to an infusion bag such that the infusion stored in the infusion bag is supplied therein in a waterdrop type, the body unit having a lower end portion provided with a discharge hole and connected to a supply hose; a regulator integrally coupled to one side of the lower portion of the body unit so as to adjust the flow rate of the infusion solution supplied from the body unit to the supply hose; and a filter member provided on one side of the inside of the lower end of the body unit. The regulator has a top body unit, a bottom body unit, a gasket interposed between the top body unit and the bottom body unit, and a locking device for limiting the rotation of the bottom body unit or releasing same.