Disposable Syringe Flow Regulator for Pressure-Independent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for regulating fluid flow rates in medical settings, such as syringes and IV lines, are often large, expensive, difficult to program, and not suited for fast-paced emergency environments, leading to potential errors in medication administration and inadequate patient care.
Innovation Solution
A portable, disposable, and lightweight fluid flow rate control apparatus that uses a configurable restriction, such as a ball and seat mechanism, to regulate fluid flow independently of fluid pressure, allowing for a predetermined maximum flow rate without the need for external power or specialized training, and can be easily attached to existing medical equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional devices (infusion pumps, syringe drivers) are used to regulate fluid flow rate, then flow rate control precision is improved, but device complexity, cost, and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable flow regulator that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex programmable infusion pumps. The disposable nature allows for pre-calibrated flow restriction geometry that ensures accurate flow rates without requiring electronic controls, programming interfaces, or power supplies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential flow control function from complex programmable infusion systems and isolates it into a simple passive restriction element. By removing electronic components, sensors, and control systems, the patent achieves flow rate precision through purely mechanical means—a pre-calibrated restriction geometry that relies on fluid dynamics principles rather than active control.
2Measurement precision
If conventional infusion pumps are used, then flow rate regulation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming requirements and specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator is designed to be self-calibrating and self-regulating through its passive restriction geometry. The device automatically maintains the prescribed flow rate based on the pressure differential across the restriction, without requiring user programming, calibration, or intervention. The clinician simply attaches the device to the syringe, and the pre-engineered flow characteristics ensure accurate delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes all programming interfaces, digital displays, and electronic controls from the flow regulation system. By extracting these complex operational elements, the patent reduces the device to a simple passive component that requires no training to operate—merely attachment to the syringe is sufficient.
3Ease of operation
If ball-and-seat check valves are used to control flow, then flow direction control is improved, but flow rate regulation deteriorates because flow rate is proportional to fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a pressure-dependent flow control mechanism (ball-and-seat valve) to a pressure-independent flow restriction. By changing the controlling parameter from pressure differential to geometric restriction, the device achieves flow rate regulation that remains consistent across varying syringe plunger forces. The flow rate is determined by the restriction geometry and fluid properties rather than instantaneous pressure.
4Reliability
If large, expensive conventional devices are used, then flow rate control reliability is improved, but accessibility in emergency settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a low-cost disposable flow regulator that can be rapidly deployed in emergency settings. The inexpensive nature of the device allows for widespread availability and eliminates the need for expensive programmable infusion pumps. The disposable design ensures reliability through pre-calibrated manufacturing while enabling quick replacement and widespread use in fast-paced emergency environments.
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 ensures a reliable and consistent fluid flow rate, reducing the risk of medication errors and enabling safe, efficient administration of medications in emergency situations without requiring electricity or specialized equipment, while allowing clinicians to focus on patient care.
Implementation Method 1
a sufficient force (typically fluid pressure) must act on the ball and overcome the spring force, thereby 'pushing' the ball off of the seat and allowing fluid to flow through the port
Implementation Method 2
a ball that is biased (typically by a force generated by a spring) against a seat disposed on a fluid port
Implementation Method 3
Because fluid flow through such a check valve is governed by Poiseuille's Law and Bernoulli's equation, a direct correlation exists between fluid pressure and fluid flow rate
Implementation Method 4
Because fluid flow through such a check valve is governed by Poiseuille's Law and Bernoulli's equation, a direct correlation exists between fluid pressure and fluid flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for use in controlling a dispensing rate of medication or other substance via a syringe, including, without limitation, into a patient, intravenous line port or heparin lock. A fluid flow rate control apparatus has a housing defining an inner chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port. Sealing seats are formed at or near both the inlet and outlet ports, and a moveable sealing element, such as a ball, can move within the inner chamber between the sealing seats. A spring biases the ball toward the inlet port sealing seat.