Multi-port Stopcock with Color-coded Indicator System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical stopcocks, especially those of the 3 and 4 way type, are difficult to interpret, leading to errors in fluid flow manipulation, as users must rely on visual assessment to determine the operational state, which increases the risk of medication errors and limits the complexity of fluid flow combinations.
Innovation Solution
A stopcock design featuring a central hub with embedded fluid flow paths and a pair of indicator portions, including a fixed plate with markings and a rotating fenestrated plate, allows users to easily determine which ports are open or closed by aligning fenestrations with markings, providing clear visual feedback on the operational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single knob indicator system is used to show closed ports, then the stopcock structure remains simple, but interpretation of open ports becomes difficult leading to medication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicators (red for closed, green for open ports) to provide immediate visual feedback about the stopcock's flow pattern. This color-coding system allows users to quickly interpret which ports are open or closed without having to mentally process the position of a single knob, thereby reducing medication errors while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator system that mediates between the mechanical knob position and the user's understanding of flow patterns. The colored indicators act as an intermediary layer that translates the mechanical state into intuitive visual information, making the relationship between knob position and port status immediately apparent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more than four flow combinations are provided, then fluid flow versatility increases, but interpretation and manipulation become too complicated increasing error chances
Solution Approach 1:
The color-coded indicator system allows the stopcock to provide multiple flow combinations (beyond the traditional four) while maintaining ease of interpretation. Each port's status is clearly indicated by color, allowing users to quickly understand complex flow patterns without being overwhelmed by the number of possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback through the color-coded indicators that update in real-time as the knob is rotated. This feedback mechanism allows users to see exactly which ports are open or closed at any given moment, making it easier to manipulate and interpret even complex multi-port configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stopcocks are assembled in series to increase flow combinations, then the number of available settings increases, but cost and complexity increase and each stopcock multiplies error chances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal multi-port stopcock that can provide multiple flow combinations within a single device, eliminating the need to assemble multiple stopcocks in series. The color-coded indicator system ensures that even with increased functionality, the device remains easy to interpret and operate, reducing the complexity and error risk associated with manifold assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A stopcock is provided with multiple ports joining multiple fluid conduits leading between fluid sources and fluid destinations. A central hub manifold resides within a valve body supporting the ports, and can rotate relative to the valve body. Fluid flow paths within the central hub are selectively aligned or not aligned with the ports. The stopcock indicates which ports are open by providing marks corresponding with positions of the ports. When the marks are visible, the corresponding ports are open. With different positioning of ports and different configurations of fluid flow paths within the central hub, stopcocks having different numbers of operable positions are provided including two, three, four, six and eight way stopcocks. By providing an axial flow path through a central axis of the central hub intersecting the embedded fluid flow paths within the central hub, still further numbers of operational states are provided.