Resilient Flow Control Valve for Backflow Sealing 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, particularly 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 its unstressed state, allowing annular contact to block flow without pressure, and flexing to allow flow under pressure, with additional sealing mechanisms to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve member larger than the fluid flow lumen is used to block flow without pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is made of resilient material that can flex between closed and open positions. This flexible shell approach allows the valve to achieve reliable sealing through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical sealing structures, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve transitions from a static sealing structure to a dynamic system where the resilient valve body actively flexes between closed and open states in response to pressure changes. This dynamic behavior enables reliable flow control without requiring complex mechanical components
2Reliability
If downstream pressure is applied to the valve body exterior surface to enhance sealing contact, then sealing reliability is improved, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body's exterior surface exposed to downstream pressure creates a self-enhancing sealing mechanism where the applied pressure automatically increases sealing contact force. The structure serves itself by using the operational pressure to improve its own sealing performance without additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the pressure distribution parameter by exposing the exterior surface to downstream pressure, transforming that pressure into a beneficial sealing force. This parameter utilization improves sealing reliability without adding structural complexity
3Ease 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 requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the material parameter from rigid to resilient, enabling the valve body to flex between positions. This material parameter change simplifies operation while the precision requirements are managed through proper selection of resilient material properties and dimensional tolerances
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 ensures reliable one-way flow, preventing fluid leakage and allowing efficient filling and injection of medical fluids, maintaining sterility and ensuring accurate delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body is resilient and the valve body and valve member are respectively sized such that 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
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
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 the 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 the valve member flexes to a spaced apart position that allows the fluid flow between the valve body and the valve member. 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 the valve.