Motorized Circular Roller Clamp for Precise IV Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller clamps for IV sets provide limited flow rate control, are prone to slippage, require manual adjustment, and are not reusable.
Innovation Solution
A circular roller clamp assembly with a semi-circular housing, motor, and a roller that moves along a guide groove to regulate fluid flow, allowing precise control and minimizing slippage, and is compatible with automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical roller clamp uses a linear housing with a roller wheel, then the device is simple in structure, but the flow rate control precision is poor due to limited range and high sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional linear housing and roller wheel configuration with a circular housing and circular roller wheel. The roller wheel rotates within a circular path defined by the housing, creating a curved geometric arrangement that fundamentally changes the flow control mechanism. This curvature enables the roller to engage with the IV tube at multiple angular positions around the circle, providing a much broader range of flow rate control from completely open to completely closed positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between control precision and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a typical roller clamp uses a manual roller wheel adjustment, then the device is easy to operate manually, but it is prone to slippage when fluid pressure causes the roller to roll back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven system. A motor is integrated into the circular housing and connected to the roller wheel through a drive mechanism, enabling automated rotation of the roller to precise angular positions. This substitution eliminates the need for manual roller wheel manipulation, thereby preventing slippage caused by fluid pressure while maintaining ease of operation through automated control. The motorized system can hold the roller firmly at any position without requiring continuous manual adjustment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a typical roller clamp is designed as a disposable device, then manufacturing cost is low, but it cannot be reused and contributes to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables reusability by designing the circular roller clamp with durable, reusable components including the circular housing, motor assembly, and roller wheel mechanism. Unlike disposable linear roller clamps, this device can be sterilized and reused multiple times. The motorized components and precision mechanical parts are designed to withstand repeated use and sterilization processes. This recovery and reuse capability reduces waste while the manufacturing cost remains manageable due to the efficient use of standard components and modular design, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and reusability.
Data Source
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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.