Vacuum-Activated Catch for IV Infusion Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional intravenous infusion setups face challenges with the delivery of multiple substances, particularly in oncology, due to issues such as delayed completion of secondary fluid delivery, concurrent flow from primary and secondary containers, and pressure loss through restrictive connections, which can lead to inaccurate dosing and scheduling complications.
Innovation Solution
A drip chamber design with a check valve placed uniquely within the primary delivery set, incorporating a pressure damping mechanism and a bypass mechanism to prevent unintended flow from the primary container, along with a vacuum-activated catch to manage fluid flow, addresses these issues by minimizing pressure pulses and ensuring precise delivery of secondary fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional IV infusion setup with gravity mode and manual clamp adjustment is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the delivery accuracy of multiple substances is poor due to pressure loss and concurrent flow
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the primary fluid line between the primary container and the infusion pump. This check valve prevents backflow and unintended flow from the primary container during secondary mode delivery, thereby improving delivery accuracy without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow control function from manual clamp adjustment and separates it into an automated vacuum-activated catch mechanism. This mechanism automatically opens or closes the primary fluid line based on vacuum pressure, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving delivery precision while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Reliability
If a check valve is placed in the primary delivery set to prevent unintended flow, then delivery accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated into the existing primary delivery set infrastructure rather than being a separate standalone component. The vacuum-activated catch mechanism is combined with the clamp assembly, merging multiple functions into unified components. This integration approach improves flow control reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
3Ease of operation
If restrictive connections are used in the infusion setup, then fluid flow can be controlled, but pressure loss increases leading to inaccurate dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-activated catch mechanism provides automatic feedback control for flow regulation. When vacuum pressure reaches a certain threshold (indicating secondary fluid delivery completion), the mechanism automatically opens the primary fluid line. This feedback-based automation eliminates the need for restrictive manual clamps and achieves both ease of operation and dosing accuracy
4Ease of manufacture
If manual clamp adjustment and visual monitoring are used to regulate flow rate, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the productivity and timing precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-activated catch mechanism is designed to be self-regulating based on vacuum pressure conditions. It automatically opens or closes the primary fluid line without requiring manual adjustment or external monitoring. This self-service approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving delivery timing precision and productivity
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 solution enhances the accuracy of secondary mode delivery, reduces unintended flow from the primary container, and simplifies the manufacturing process, ensuring timely and precise administration of medications, even at higher flow rates and with taller containers.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of an effect of a pressure pulse formed by the infusion pump is dampened. The damping includes: in response to receiving the pressure pulse from the infusion pump, elastically expanding the air holding portion and at least a portion of the enclosing wall of the drip chamber
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum-activated catch to manage fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A device including: a tubing clamp having a clamping mechanism holding closed a first fluid line while a second fluid flows along a second fluid line from a second container, the first fluid line delivers a flow of a first fluid; and a vacuum activated catch retainably coupled with the tubing clamp and coupled with the second fluid line, the vacuum activated catch including: a movable element coupled with the tubing clamp and configured for changing from a first shape to a second shape upon receipt of a deforming pressure, wherein when the movable element is in the first shape, the vacuum activated catch retains the tubing clamp in a closed position, and when the movable element is in the second shape, the vacuum activated catch releases the tubing clamp into an open position, thereby allowing the flow of the first fluid to commence within the first fluid line.