Priming Valve Pressure Trigger for Flow Sensor Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to improve volume accuracy in bolus delivery using a medical device, particularly in flow sensor systems, to enhance flow measurement characteristics and reduce medication errors during manually administered IV injections.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system comprising a single-use flow sensor and a reusable base unit, equipped with a priming valve that opens in response to a threshold pressure to ensure full wetting of internal surfaces, allowing for enhanced ultrasonic signal transmission and improved flow measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow sensor is used to measure fluid flow in bolus delivery, then flow measurement capability is provided, but volume accuracy and measurement precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a priming valve that pressurizes the fluid channel before the sensor detects flow. This pre-pressurization (to 5-50 psi) ensures the sensor is ready to accurately measure bolus delivery from the start, eliminating initial measurement errors and improving overall volume accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a priming valve is added to improve sensor readiness, then flow measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The priming valve is configured to automatically activate when fluid is introduced into the channel, pressurizing it to the required 5-50 psi without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces operational complexity while maintaining improved sensor readiness and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If threshold pressure is applied to open the connector, then fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a priming valve as an intermediary component between the fluid source and sensor. This valve mediates the pressure control function, handling the complexity of threshold pressure management (5-50 psi) while providing simple, reliable flow control to the sensor system.
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 provides accurate flow rate and pressure characterization, reduces medication errors, and enables automatic documentation and alerts for consistent bolus delivery, ensuring reliable fluid delivery procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the connector is configured to move relative to the valve seat in response to a threshold pressure within the fluid flow path to allow the fluid to flow
Implementation Method 2
the outer surface of the sidewall of the connector faces an outer surface of the sidewall of the valve seat, and wherein the inner surface of the sidewall of the connector is slidingly and sealingly engaged with the lip portion of the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A priming valve includes a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a fluid channel including at least one sensor configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid, a fluid outlet, a valve seat, and a connector. The connector engages the valve seat to prevent fluid flow via the fluid flow path. The connector is configured to move relative to the valve seat in response to a threshold pressure within the fluid flow path to allow the fluid to flow via the fluid flow path. A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament may include a priming valve and at least one sensor of a fluid port configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid within an administrable fluid source. A method for readying a fluid sensor may use a priming valve.