Resilient Flow Control Valve for Backflow Blocking Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid transfer and injection devices require improved flow control valves that can effectively manage the flow of medical fluids under pressure while preventing backflow, especially in devices employing resilient reservoirs for injection.
Innovation Solution
A novel flow control valve design featuring a resilient valve body and a rigid valve member, where the valve member is larger than the fluid flow lumen in an unstressed condition, creating an annular contact that blocks flow until pressure from the inlet opens the valve, allowing fluid flow and providing sealing contact with downstream pressure to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve member larger than the fluid flow lumen is used to ensure sealing contact, then backflow prevention is improved, but the valve requires higher fluid pressure to open
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is made of resilient material that can flex and deform under fluid pressure. This flexibility allows the valve to maintain tight sealing contact with the larger valve member in the closed position, while also allowing it to deform open under sufficient pressure, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and pressure requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the valve body from rigid to resilient, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape and sealing characteristics based on fluid pressure conditions, enabling both reliable sealing and controlled opening
2Ease of operation
If the valve body is made resilient to allow flexing between closed and open positions, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient valve body is designed as a flexible component with specific geometric features that provide predictable deformation characteristics. The design incorporates features like the externally threaded portion and specific wall thicknesses that control flexing behavior, making the resilient component manufacturable with standard tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into distinct functional zones: an externally threaded portion for engagement, a generally cylindrical portion for structural support, and a resilient portion for flexing. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability
3Reliability
If the valve member is cross-sectionally larger than the fluid flow lumen to block flow, then flow control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single valve body component: it provides structural support, creates the fluid flow lumen, forms the sealing surface, and provides the resilient flexing action. The valve member and valve body work together as an integrated flow control system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable flow blocking
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 valve effectively controls fluid flow, ensuring medical fluids are injected accurately and preventing leakage back into the source, enhancing the reliability and safety of medical fluid transfer and injection devices.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliency of the resilient valve body allows for movement between a normally closed position in which the valve member and fluid lumen surface are in contact and block flow, and an open position in response to fluid pressure from the inlet, in which the valve body flexes to allow fluid flow between the valve body and valve member
Implementation Method 2
the valve member is cross-sectionally larger than the fluid flow lumen when the valve body and valve member are in a substantially unstressed condition so as to result in annular contact between the valve member and valve body that substantially blocks fluid flow through the fluid flow lumen in the absence of fluid pressure from the inlet
Implementation Method 3
The valve body includes an exterior surface that is exposed, at least in part, to pressure from fluid between the valve member and outlet. This allows the pressure of the downstream fluid to press against the valve body and help create sealing contact against the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow control valve includes a valve body with a fluid flow lumen therethrough and a valve member located within the fluid flow lumen. At least one of the valve body and valve member is resilient and respectively sized for movement between a normally closed position in which the valve member and a fluid lumen surface are in sufficient annular contact to block fluid flow through the fluid flow lumen and an open position in which at least one of the valve body and valve member flexes to a spaced apart position that allows fluid flow between them. Downstream fluid pressure may contact the valve body to enhance sealing. A fluid absorbent member may also be employed with the valve body. Flow control devices, such as medical fluid injection devices, and methods may employ this valve.