Pneumatic Volumetric Pump Using IV Drip Chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid delivery systems, particularly in medical settings, face challenges in precision and safety due to reliance on gravity and manual adjustments, which can lead to inconsistencies and hazards such as air embolism and incorrect flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a drip chamber with proximal and distal check valves and a pneumatic port coupled with a precision pneumatic generator and controller, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and pressure to ensure safe and accurate delivery of medications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gravity-based IV therapy is used, then the system is simple and requires minimal components, but the fluid delivery precision and flow rate control are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic pressure through a pressure generator connected to the drip chamber to precisely control fluid delivery. The pneumatic system overcomes gravity-based limitations by using controlled air pressure to regulate flow rate, achieving accurate fluid delivery while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of pressure control from passive gravity-based pressure to active pneumatic pressure. By controlling the pneumatic pressure applied to the drip chamber, the system can precisely regulate fluid flow rate, transforming the delivery mechanism from uncontrolled gravitational flow to controlled pneumatic-driven flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual roller clamp adjustments are used, then the device complexity is low, but the flow rate control precision and safety are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical roller clamp adjustment system with an automated pneumatic control system. The pneumatic pressure generator and control mechanism eliminate the need for manual mechanical adjustments, providing more precise and safer flow rate control while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If check valves with high cracking pressure are used, then the system can withstand head pressure from extended administration sets, but the pressure required to overcome the valves increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure withstand capabilityVSAvoidpressure to overcome valves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic pressure generator provides controlled pressure to overcome the check valve cracking pressures. By using pneumatic pressure, the system can reliably open the check valves when needed while maintaining the ability to withstand head pressure from extended administration sets, balancing both requirements through active pressure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 system achieves precise control of fluid delivery rates, reduces the risk of air embolism, and mitigates hazards associated with gravity-based IV therapy, while eliminating the need for manual roller clamp adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The proximal check valve is configured to allow fluid flow in a distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold of the proximal check valve is overcome

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The distal check valve is further configured to allow fluid flow in the distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold of the distal check valve is overcome

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

A pneumatic generator configured to generate a positive pressure and/or a negative pressure in the drip chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure generation: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentUS12201805B2Simplified pneumatic volumetric pump using IV drip chamber

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 PNEUMA SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A system includes a drip chamber. The drip chamber has a proximal end coupled with a drug container and a distal end coupled with fluidic tubing. The drip chamber has a proximal check valve configured to prevent fluid flow in a proximal direction and to allow fluid flow in a distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold is overcome. The drip chamber also includes a distal check valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the proximal direction and to allow fluid flow in the distal direction when a cracking pressure threshold is overcome. The cracking pressure threshold of the proximal check valve and the cracking pressure threshold of the distal check valve in combination is greater than or equal to 1 PSId. The system also includes a pneumatic port between the check valves that is configured to pneumatically couple with a pneumatic feedback control system.