Medicinal Fluid Injector Flow Control via Rotating Knob and Elastic Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medicinal fluid injectors lack precision in adjusting the dosage of medicinal fluids, such as anodynes and antibiotics, leading to potential overdose or underdose issues, especially for patients requiring precise and variable dosages over time.

Innovation Solution

A medicinal fluid injector with a rotatable operation knob and spring plates that control the flow rate by selectively opening or closing elastic tubes, allowing for precise adjustment of the flow rate through different rotational angles, enabling accurate delivery of medicinal fluids at various rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If syringes are used to inject medicinal fluids, then the injection can be performed, but the dosage depends on the skill level of the operator and cannot be accurately maintained at an appropriate level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage accuracyVSAvoidoperator skill dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual syringe operation with an automated pump system that uses a drive wheel and driven wheel mechanism to control fluid delivery. The pump unit mechanically advances the syringe plunger at a controlled rate, eliminating dependence on operator skill for dosage accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through simple pump control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements variable speed control of the pump mechanism to adjust the flow rate of medicinal fluid. By changing the rotational speed of the drive wheel or the engagement position of the pump, the system can precisely control dosage delivery rate, allowing accurate dosage maintenance without requiring advanced operator skills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If dosage adjusters are installed on hoses to adjust dosage by pressing, then dosage can be modified, but it is difficult to accurately inject a desired amount in accordance with momentarily changing patient states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddosage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic dosage control system where the pump speed and flow rate can be adjusted in real-time based on patient needs. The variable speed motor or adjustable pump mechanism allows the operator to quickly modify the infusion rate to match momentarily changing patient states, providing both adaptability and precision that static pressing adjusters cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple tube pressing mechanism is used to control fluid flow, then the structure is simple, but the flow rate cannot be accurately controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidflow rate control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pump unit as an intermediary mechanism between the simple tube connection and the fluid delivery system. The pump acts as a mediator that provides precise flow control through its mechanical advancement mechanism, while the overall system structure remains relatively simple with few moving parts. The pump translates simple rotational motion into precise linear plunger advancement.

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

Enables accurate and fine-tuned injection of medicinal fluids, allowing for step-wise adjustment of dosages based on patient needs, ensuring both safety and efficacy by preventing overdose or underdose scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

spring plates (51, 52)... elastic tubes (31, 32)... the spring plates may each have a pressing portion formed on a side facing the tubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3202441B1Multi-type medicinal fluid flow rate control apparatus and medicinal fluid injector comprising same
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 LEE IN OK
  • EP3202441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3202441B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3202441B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a medicinal fluid flow rate control apparatus and a medicinal fluid injector including the medicinal fluid flow control apparatus. The medicinal fluid flow rate control apparatus includes: an operation knob being able to be turned; a plurality of medicinal fluid delivery lines each having an elastically deformable tube and arranged such that the tubes are arranged at different heights at a side from the operation knob; a tube support member supporting the tubes; a medicinal fluid converger converging medicinal fluids from the medicinal fluid delivery lines into one stream; and a pipe switch selectively pressing or releasing the tubes to open or block all of the medicinal fluid delivery lines or block some of the medicinal fluid delivery lines, depending on a rotational angle of the operation knob.