Low-Force Drug Pump Valves With Septa for Accurate Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves used in drug delivery systems face issues with dose accuracy due to unintended fluid delivery during actuation, and O-ring based seals in smaller valves have variable actuation forces due to molding tolerances, leading to inconsistent sealing.
Innovation Solution
The development of low actuation force, micro/miniature valves that use septa instead of O-rings, with a side-ported tube piercing through the septum to create controlled seals, maintaining a constant volume during fluid transitions without displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves use O-rings for sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but actuation force varies widely due to molding tolerances at small sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from O-ring compression (which depends on molding tolerances) to a flange-based mechanical seal where the valve tube is crimped or welded to the valve body flange. This parameter change eliminates the reliance on elastic compression and molding tolerances, providing consistent sealing and predictable actuation force across small valve sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical system of O-ring compression with a rigid mechanical connection system using flanges, crimping, or welding. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by O-ring material properties and compression tolerances, achieving reliable sealing without actuation force variation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional valves displace fluid during opening/closing, then valve operation is achieved, but dose accuracy deteriorates due to unintended fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid passage that runs through the valve tube as an intermediary pathway. This allows fluid to bypass the valve sealing surfaces during actuation, eliminating the need for the valve to displace fluid. The side ports in the valve body provide additional pathways that ensure continuous fluid flow without interruption or unintended delivery, maintaining dose accuracy while enabling smooth valve operation.
3Volume of moving object
If valve size is reduced for wearable devices, then device compactness is improved, but sealing reliability worsens due to O-ring tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the valve actuation mechanism by using a flange connection that separates the valve tube from the valve body. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with tight tolerances, and the flange connection provides a dedicated sealing interface that is not affected by the accumulation of tolerances from multiple small components, maintaining sealing reliability in compact valve designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the sealing interface to a different dimensional approach by using a flange connection that extends radially outward from the valve tube. This radial flange provides a larger sealing surface area and allows for more robust sealing mechanisms (crimping, welding) that are not constrained by the limited axial space in small valves, achieving reliable sealing in compact form factors.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are examples of valve systems and methods of operating the respective valve systems. An example valve system may include a valve body, an inlet component, an outlet component and a valve tube. The valve body may include a first void and a second void. The inlet component may be coupled to the first void and the outlet component may be coupled to the second void. The valve tube may include a side port and may be positioned through the valve body and coupled to the first void, the inlet component, the second void, and the outlet component. Other valve system examples may include including a valve body, a first septum, a second septum, a first piston, a second piston and a tube. The disclosed methods describe the interaction of the respective components of the respective valve system example.