Rotating Axle Flow Controller with Radial Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow controllers are prone to structural integrity issues, leakages, and are not easily portable due to complex mechanical mechanisms and size constraints, which limit their effectiveness in regulating fluid flow rates for medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate selection apparatus featuring a rotating axle with radial holes and axial drain channels, integrated with a holding reservoir and micro bore tubes, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through tactile feedback and locking mechanisms, enabling easy portability and adjustable flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical mechanisms (teeth/groove or plunger) are used to control flow rates, then flow rate adjustment is achieved, but structural integrity of fluid-carrying channels deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical teeth/groove or plunger mechanism with a rotating member featuring axial drain channels and radial holes. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interactions that compromise tube integrity, while still enabling flow rate control through rotational positioning that aligns specific radial holes with input/output ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from mechanical compression force to rotational position. By rotating the member to different angular positions, different combinations of radial holes align with the ports, thereby controlling flow rates without applying mechanical stress to the fluid-carrying channels.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical mechanisms are used for flow control, then flow rate regulation is achieved, but leakage increases due to complex couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical couplings with a simplified rotating member design where fluid communication is controlled through alignment of radial holes with ports. This eliminates multiple connection points and mechanical interfaces that are prone to leakage, providing a more reliable seal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow controllers are designed with mechanical mechanisms, then flow control functionality is achieved, but portability is reduced due to complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the flow control function into a modular rotating member with discrete radial holes and axial drain channels. This segmentation allows for a compact design where multiple flow rate settings are achieved through rotational positioning rather than requiring multiple separate mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member serves multiple functions: it controls flow rates for multiple fluid-carrying channels simultaneously, provides structural support, and enables selection among different flow settings through a single rotational action. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device size.
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 apparatus provides a reliable, portable, and adjustable means to regulate fluid flow rates, reducing structural integrity issues and leakages, while allowing for precise control and multiple flow rate settings, enhancing usability in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
flow rates of a fluid through a fluid-carrying channel vary according to the diameter of a lumen of the channel, or according to a length of the channel, if other factors such as temperature and viscosity remain constant. This is based on Bernoulli's Principle.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for selecting a flow rate of a fluid includes an axle including an elongated cylindrical member having flow paths, each flow path being defined by a corresponding set of radial holes, each set of radial holes comprising at least one radial hole that extends substantially between an outer surface of the axle and an interior cavity of the axle, and a barrel including an elongated cylindrical member within which the axle is disposed, the barrel having input ports and an output port, the barrel being configured to enable the axle to rotate about an axis of rotation that extends along a length of the axle, wherein a flow rate of a fluid is selected by rotating the axle to a position so that a set of radial holes is in alignment with one or more ports of the barrel.