Modular IV Assembly with Integrated Flow Control and Fewer Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous infusion sets have high manufacturing complexity and cost due to numerous tubing connections and separate components, increasing the risk of leakage and user interface points.
Innovation Solution
A modular IV assembly that integrates core functions such as drip chamber, flow control, filtering, air venting, and check valve into a single device, reducing the need for multiple tubing connections and providing a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate IV components are used to perform different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate IV components (drip chamber, flow control mechanism, filter, and check valve) into a single integrated housing structure. The housing contains all these functional elements internally, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and tubing connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a container for the drip chamber, houses the flow control mechanism, incorporates the filter, and includes the check valve. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace several separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate IV components with tubing connections are used, then functional versatility is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased leakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single integrated housing with internal fluid pathways, the patent eliminates numerous external tubing connections. The internal integration ensures sealed fluid pathways without multiple connection points, thereby reducing leakage risk while maintaining all necessary functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate IV components are used, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single housing that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of assembly steps required to combine multiple separate components, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining functional versatility.
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 integration simplifies manufacturing, reduces leakage risks, and enhances usability by maintaining consistent fluid flow control and reducing the number of user interface points.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control assembly coupled directly to a first portion of the base housing. The flow control assembly includes a roller housing, a roller and a flow control membrane disposed between the roller and the flow path cavity in the base housing
Implementation Method 2
a filter assembly coupled directly to a second portion of the base housing
Implementation Method 3
an air vent assembly coupled directly to a second portion of the base housing, wherein the first and second portions are on opposing surfaces of the base housing
Implementation Method 4
a one-way check valve disposed between an exit cavity in an outer surface of the filter housing and the fluid exit housing, the check valve configured to allow fluid to flow out from the exit cavity through an exit port in the fluid exit housing while preventing fluid from flowing in the opposing direction into the exit cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular intravenous (IV) assemblies are provided. The modular IV assembly includes a drip chamber having a body and an inlet connector, a base housing coupled directly to a base portion of the drip chamber, the base housing having an inlet port in fluid connection with the drip chamber and a flow path cavity in fluid connection with the inlet port and a flow control assembly coupled directly to a first portion of the base housing. Any of a filter assembly, an anti-run dry member, a check valve and an air vent assembly may be included in the modular IV assembly. IV sets and methods of use are also provided.