Circular Roller Clamp Assembly With Motorized Arc Flow Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Typical roller clamps for IV flow control are limited in flow rate resolution, prone to slippage due to fluid pressure, and require manual adjustment, making them unsuitable for precise and automated control.
Innovation Solution
A circular roller clamp assembly with a semi-circular housing, motor, and a roller that moves circumferentially along a guide groove, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through the IV tube by varying the impingement of the roller on the tube, and enabling motor-driven adjustment for improved resolution and reduced slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical linear roller clamp is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow rate control resolution is poor and slippage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The roller clamp transitions from a linear configuration to a circular arc configuration. The roller wheel moves along a circular path defined by guide grooves in the housing, creating a curved clamping mechanism. This curvature allows the roller to maintain consistent contact with the tube while providing a longer adjustment range, improving flow rate control resolution without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear roller clamp. Instead of moving the roller wheel only along a straight line, the roller wheel now moves along a circular arc path. This dimensional change from linear to rotational motion provides finer control resolution while the modular circular housing design keeps the overall structure manageable
2Extent of automation
If a manual roller clamp is used, then the device is simple to operate, but automated control is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the roller wheel position is replaced with an automated motor-driven system. A small motor rotates the roller wheel along the circular guide grooves, eliminating the need for manual hand adjustment. The circular design allows the motor to connect directly to the roller wheel through a simple rotational interface, making automation straightforward while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control
3Adaptability or versatility
If a typical roller clamp with short linear housing is used, then the device has simple geometry, but the range of flow rate control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a circular arc structure rather than a straight linear form. This curvature allows the roller wheel to traverse a longer path within a compact footprint. The guide grooves are formed along the circular arc, enabling the roller to move through a wide range of positions that provide extensive flow rate control variation without requiring a proportionally long housing
Data Source
AI summary
A circular roller clamp assembly includes a semi-circular housing configured to receive a portion of an IV tube, a motor and a motor arm coupled to the motor. A roller is coupled to the roller arm, the roller movably received by a guide groove disposed in the semi-circular housing. A flow rate of fluid flowing through the IV tube is regulated based on roller impingement of the IV tube against a tube channel in the guide groove via circumferential movement of the roller along the guide groove. IV sets with circular roller clamp assemblies and methods of operating circular roller clamp assemblies are also provided.