Smart Check Valve for Infusion Sets with Bidirectional Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check valves in infusion sets with Y connectors prevent reverse fluid flow even when a secondary container is not attached, limiting the infusion pump's ability to operate in reverse direction and potentially causing unintended fluid release due to occlusions.
Innovation Solution
A smart check valve system with a compressible member and resilient member that allows bidirectional fluid flow between the primary inlet and outlet when no secondary container is connected, and restricts reverse primary flow when a secondary container is attached, enabling the infusion pump to operate in both forward and reverse directions without mixing fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional check valve is used in a Y connector, then reverse fluid flow is prevented, but bidirectional flow is blocked even when no secondary container is attached
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve member is designed to dynamically change its position and flow-blocking characteristics based on the presence or absence of a secondary container. When no secondary container is attached, the valve member assumes a first position that allows bidirectional primary flow. When a secondary container is attached, the valve member transitions to a second position that blocks reverse primary flow while allowing forward secondary flow. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between preventing unintended bolus and maintaining bidirectional flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters of the check valve based on the configuration state. In the first state (no secondary container), the valve permits bidirectional flow with a first flow rate. In the second state (secondary container attached), the valve restricts reverse primary flow while maintaining forward secondary flow. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between different operational modes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If the infusion pump operates in reverse direction to prevent bolus release, then fluid accumulation from occlusion is prevented, but fluid may be released into the secondary container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the secondary container flow path from the primary container flow path using a dedicated check valve mechanism. The valve member is configured to selectively block the primary inlet while allowing flow through the secondary inlet when in the second position. This separation ensures that when the infusion pump operates in reverse, fluid is directed into the secondary container through the controlled secondary inlet rather than being forced back into the primary container, preventing harmful fluid release.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the primary and secondary flow paths. It mediates the fluid flow by selectively opening or closing pathways based on the operational state. When preventing bolus release, the valve member intermediates by directing reverse flow through the secondary container pathway rather than allowing it to mix with primary container fluid, thus resolving the harmful effect of unintended fluid release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a Y connector is always attached to enable secondary container connection, then adaptability is improved, but fluid may flow bidirectionally causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve member dynamically adjusts its configuration based on whether a secondary container is attached. When no secondary container is present, the valve member is in a first configuration that allows bidirectional primary flow. When a secondary container is attached, the valve member transitions to a second configuration that blocks reverse primary flow and enables forward secondary flow. This dynamic behavior maintains adaptability while preventing fluid contamination between containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the fluid flow paths into distinct primary and secondary pathways with independent control. The check valve member creates separate flow channels that can be independently activated. The primary inlet and secondary inlet are separated by the valve mechanism, allowing each pathway to be controlled independently. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination while maintaining the ability to connect secondary containers when needed.
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
Enables the infusion pump to operate in both forward and reverse directions without causing unintended fluid release, preventing fluid mixing and allowing for safe and controlled fluid management in infusion sets.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion is compressible from an uncompressed state to a compressed state such that the first portion moves axially within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member disposed within the chamber and engaged with the compressible member such that the resilient member moves within the chamber from an open configuration, when the compressible member is in the uncompressed state, to an occluding configuration, when the compressible member is in the compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
A connector valve for use with an infusion set. The connector valve includes a body defining a chamber. The body includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet, and an outlet. The connector valve includes a compressible member within the chamber that compresses from an uncompressed state to a compressed state. The connector valve includes a resilient member within the chamber that engages with the compressible member. The resilient member moves from an open configuration when the compressible member is in the uncompressed state to an occluding configuration when the compressible member is in the compressed state. The resilient member in the open configuration permits a bidirectional primary fluid flow between the primary inlet and the outlet, and the resilient member in the occluding configuration permits a bidirectional secondary fluid flow between the secondary inlet and the outlet, and unidirectional primary fluid flow from the primary inlet to the outlet.