Closed Stopcock Flow Guide for High-Flow Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed stopcocks face limitations in fluid flow rate and internal volume flushing, particularly in medical applications where high flow rates and efficient flushing are crucial for preventing residual fluid issues such as clotting and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A stopcock design featuring a housing element with multiple ports and a handle element that allows for selective positioning, including fluid flow passageways and guides to increase fluid flow rate and enable flushing of internal volumes without entirely flowing through the ports, using elastomeric valves and bifurcating fluid flow guides to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional closed stopcock design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid flow rate is limited and insufficient for high flow rate applications
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock is divided into multiple functional passageways (first fluid flow passageway, second fluid flow passageway, third fluid flow passageway) that can operate independently or simultaneously. Each passageway has its own flow control mechanism, allowing the system to achieve high flow rates by opening multiple paths while maintaining the ability to control flow individually when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopcock design provides multi-functionality by enabling different flow patterns (high flow rate mode, flushing mode, controlled flow mode) through a single device structure. The first passageway is optimized for high flow rate applications, the second passageway enables flushing of internal volumes, and the third passageway provides additional flow control options, making the device versatile for various medical applications.
2Reliability
If a conventional stopcock design is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot effectively flush internal volumes without flowing fluid entirely through the ports
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing function is extracted as a separate capability through the second fluid flow passageway, which is specifically designed to enable flushing of internal volumes. This passageway allows fluid to contact and flush the internal surfaces of the stopcock without requiring the fluid to flow entirely through the external ports, thereby improving flushing effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If the fluid flow passageway is enlarged to increase flow rate, then the fluid flow rate increases, but the ability to control flow and prevent leakage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control is segmented across multiple passageways, each with its own size and control mechanism. The first passageway is enlarged for high flow rate capability, while the second and third passageways provide additional control options. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high flow rates when needed while maintaining precise flow control by using the smaller passageways or by strategically opening/closing specific paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopcock incorporates dynamic flow control through the handle element that can be positioned in multiple orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°), enabling real-time adjustment of which passageways are open and to what extent. This dynamic capability allows the operator to optimize flow rate and control precision based on the specific application requirements, transitioning between high flow mode and precise control mode as needed.
4Productivity
If multiple fluid flow passageways are added to increase flow rate and enable flushing, then productivity and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional capabilities (high flow rate, flushing, controlled flow) are merged into a single integrated stopcock device. The first, second, and third fluid flow passageways are combined within one housing structure, sharing common elements such as the handle element, sealing surfaces, and port configurations. This merging approach achieves the benefits of multiple passageways while minimizing overall device complexity through shared components and a unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A stopcock, comprising a housing element defining a central bore and at least first, second and third ports; and a handle element which is selectably positionable relative to the housing element; at least one of the housing element and the handle element defining: a first fluid flow passageway communicating between two of the at least first, second and third ports; a second fluid flow passageway communicating between at least two of the at least first, second and third ports, and a fluid flow guide associated with the second fluid flow passageway, the fluid flow guide extending radially towards an inner facing wall of the central bore.