Pressure-Responsive Control Valve for Safe Injection Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current injection devices require healthcare professionals for operation, are costly, and pose risks due to excessive flow rates and backflow, limiting their use by non-specialized personnel, especially in scenarios like home nursing or industrial settings where trained staff are scarce.

Innovation Solution

A preloaded injection device with a control valve that regulates outlet flow rate and pressure, allowing non-specialized personnel to administer injectable products safely, featuring a container with a control valve that adjusts flow rate based on applied pressure and includes means to prevent backflow, potentially formed in a single part or separate components for ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If syringe-type injection devices are used with manual plunger control, then the injection can be performed with simple device structure, but the flow rate cannot be controlled and excessive flow rate causes adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidflow rate control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve is designed to automatically regulate flow rate based on applied pressure without requiring manual intervention. The valve responds to pressure changes from the plunger movement and autonomously adjusts the outlet flow rate, eliminating the need for trained personnel to control the injection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control of flow rate with an automated pressure-responsive valve system. Instead of relying on operator skill to control plunger speed, the system uses pressure-sensitive mechanisms to automatically modulate flow, substituting human judgment with mechanical automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If preloaded injection devices are used to simplify operation, then the ease of use is improved, but they still require healthcare professionals for safe operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines preloaded simplicity with automated safety features. The control valve self-regulates flow rate based on pressure, requiring no operator skill while maintaining ease of use. Non-specialized personnel can simply activate the device without needing to understand or control the injection parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts flow rate parameters in response to pressure changes during injection. As pressure increases during plunger movement, the valve dynamically modifies flow characteristics to maintain safety margins, enabling simple operation with embedded intelligence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual two-handed syringe operation is used, then the device structure remains simple, but unsuitable movements may hurt the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpatient injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve provides continuous automated monitoring and adjustment of injection parameters, eliminating reliance on operator technique. The system self-corrects for improper handling by maintaining flow rate within safe limits regardless of how the device is manipulated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure-responsive valve creates a feedback loop where outlet pressure continuously influences flow rate control. This automatic feedback mechanism prevents harmful high-flow conditions even when operators apply excessive force or use improper technique

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of manufacture

If injection devices without flow control are used, then the cost is reduced, but excessive outlet pressure causes adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidoutlet pressure control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve provides automated pressure regulation without requiring complex external control systems. The pressure-responsive mechanism automatically limits outlet pressure to safe levels, achieving reliable pressure control through self-regulating valve design rather than expensive active control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve acts as an intermediary element between the plunger and injection port, mediating the relationship between applied pressure and outlet flow. This intermediate pressure-regulating stage prevents direct transmission of excessive plunger force to the patient, enabling cost-effective pressure control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe and cost-effective administration of injectable products by non-specialized personnel, controlling flow rates to prevent adverse effects and ensuring sterility, suitable for both patient care and industrial applications, with the ability to handle varying pressures and prevent backflow.

Implementation Method 1

a control valve for controlling the outlet flow rate and pressure arranged between the injectable product and the injection port, and provided with means for varying the outlet flow rate depending on the pressure applied during the administration of the injectable product, reducing the flow rate increase with respect to the pressure increase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The presence of a healthcare professional is also necessary when injection devices in which there may be backflow of biological fluids, or a return of these fluids through the needle or system implanted in the patient, especially blood in the case of intravenous injections, are used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential control: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2383007B1Device for the administration of injectable products with a controlled flow rate
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 INNOVA SALUD DESARROLLOS SANITARIOS
  • EP2383007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2383007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2383007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for the administration of injectable products with controlled flow rate, with a container (23) in the form of both a syringe and an ampoule preloaded with the injectable product, an injection port (25) and a control valve (21, 41, 61, 81, 91) for controlling the outlet rate and pressure arranged between the injectable product and the injection port (25), with means for varying the outlet flow rate depending on the pressure applied during the administration of the injectable product, such administration being moderated by means of closing the valve (21, 41, 61, 81, 91) when the pressure exceeds a predetermined limit, and means for preventing the backflow of fluids during the administration of the injectable product. The valve (21, 41, 61, 81, 91) can be positioned both in the container (23) and at an injection end (27) including the injection port (25) which is coupled to the container (23).