Needle Valve Flow Selector for Continuous Medical Fluid Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensing systems for medical applications lack precise control over a continuous range of flow rates, requiring complex manufacturing and often result in discrete flow rate settings, which are labor-intensive and costly to produce, and do not provide clear indication of selected flow rates to users.

Innovation Solution

A flow selector device with a needle valve mechanism that allows for precise control of fluid flow rates over a continuous range, featuring a shaft and seat design with a tapered distal end and complementary recess, enabling adjustable flow rates from 0.5 to 14 cubic centimeters per hour, and an enclosure to hold the inlet, outlet, and needle valve in position, facilitating easy manufacturing and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If discrete flow rate settings are used with flow control tubes of equal cross-sectional area and different lengths, then flow rate control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production becomes labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cross-sectional area parameter of the flow control tubes while maintaining equal lengths. Instead of using tubes of different lengths with equal areas, the invention uses tubes of equal length with different cross-sectional areas, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the same flow rate control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by keeping the cross-sectional area constant and varying the length, and instead keeps the length constant and varies the cross-sectional area. This inversion simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to precisely control tube lengths to match pump pressure variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If discrete flow rate settings are used, then flow rate control is achieved, but the ability to select any flow rate over a continuous range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidcontinuous flow rate range

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the flow rate selection dynamic by allowing the pump pressure to vary and be compensated for by the flow control mechanism. The system adapts to different pump pressures automatically, enabling continuous flow rate adjustment rather than fixed discrete settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By varying the cross-sectional area of the flow control tubes, the patent enables continuous adjustment of flow rates. The different cross-sectional areas create a range of flow rates that can be selected based on the specific pump pressure and treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If complex flow rate selection mechanisms are used, then precise flow rate control is achieved, but the device becomes difficult and expensive to manufacture as a disposable item

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the flow control function into multiple identical flow control tubes with different cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each tube, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise flow rate control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies the flow control mechanism to enable economical production of disposable devices. By using equal-length tubes with different cross-sectional areas instead of precisely matched different-length tubes, the manufacturing process becomes suitable for cost-effective disposable medical devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The device provides precise and continuous control of fluid flow rates, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, while allowing for easy adjustment and clear indication of selected flow rates, making it suitable for disposable medical applications with high reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a needle valve for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates... The distal end of the shaft is tapered in shape and the seat has a recess with a shape complementary to the shape of the distal end of the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control through restricted passage: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS11419979B2Variable fluid flow rate control device

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 AVENT INC

AI summary

A flow selector having features for controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow selector including a flow rate selection mechanism is provided, where the flow rate selection mechanism provides more precise control of the fluid flow rate. A flow selector comprising a needle valve for controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates also is provided.