Pressure-Driven Flow Control Valve for Shear-Sensitive Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for collecting or dispensing fluids, particularly biological liquids and shear-sensitive fluids, face challenges in maintaining a safe and desired flow rate, which can lead to fluid quality compromise, misdiagnosis, and other adverse outcomes in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of pressure-driven flow rate control valves featuring a septum that changes configuration based on fluid pressure thresholds, allowing for precise control of fluid flow rates and prevention of undesirable flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If vacuum containers are used with intravenous catheters, then fill time is reduced, but blood cells may be damaged due to excessive flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure-sensitive membrane that changes its flow control parameters based on the applied vacuum pressure. At lower vacuum pressures, the membrane maintains an open state allowing faster flow to reduce fill time. When vacuum pressure exceeds a threshold, the membrane deforms to restrict flow, preventing blood cell damage. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive membrane automatically adjusts the flow rate in response to vacuum pressure changes without external intervention. When excessive vacuum is applied, the membrane self-actuates to restrict flow based on the pressure differential across it. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for manual flow control while preventing blood cell damage.
2Ease of operation
If manual syringe is used to extract blood, then control over draw is enhanced, but sample quality may suffer if significant vacuum is introduced to reduce fill time
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive membrane acts as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the blood sample. It translates the clinician's vacuum application into a controlled flow rate, providing both ease of operation and sample protection. The membrane mediates the interaction by automatically adjusting resistance based on pressure, combining the benefits of manual control with automated protection.
3Productivity
If vacuum pressure is increased to reduce fill time, then collection speed is improved, but flow rate may become excessive and damage fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the flow resistance parameter in response to vacuum pressure changes. At low to moderate vacuum levels, the membrane remains open to maximize collection speed. When vacuum pressure exceeds the threshold, the membrane deforms to increase resistance and reduce flow rate, preventing fluid damage while maintaining high productivity within safe parameters.
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
These valves effectively maintain a desired flow rate for sensitive fluids, preventing damage and ensuring the quality of biological samples, thereby reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and adverse medical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a first configuration at a first fluid pressure within the interior, and a second configuration at a second fluid pressure within the interior
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container having a base storage compartment configured to receive a divider by which the storage compartment is divided into two or more sub-compartments, wherein divider includes a tool configured to provide a secondary utility or function unrelated to dividing the storage compartment.