Vacuum Fluid Delivery Device with Flow Control Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum-driven fluid delivery devices experience a reduction in maximum vacuum volume over time due to external gas permeation when stored in a charged state, leading to reduced fluid output duration and potential component damage from sustained vacuum stress.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a flow control member that allows a controlled, predetermined flow of fluid from the second chamber back into the reservoir when not in use, reducing vacuum volume and alleviating stress on components by allowing the plungers to return to their uncharged positions, thereby preventing gas permeation and stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the device is stored in a charged state with vacuum volume, then fluid delivery capability is maintained, but external gas permeation occurs over time reducing vacuum volume and delivery duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum sealing function from the main vacuum chamber and places it in a separate removable cartridge. This allows the vacuum chamber to be isolated and sealed independently, preventing gas permeation while maintaining vacuum volume for the intended fluid delivery duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum is generated and stored in the chamber before use, and the chamber is pre-sealed with a removable cartridge that maintains the vacuum. This preliminary preparation ensures the vacuum volume is preserved until the device is activated for fluid delivery.
2Force
If vacuum pressure is maintained continuously, then fluid delivery force is ensured, but component stress and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic vacuum system where the vacuum pressure is generated only when needed for fluid delivery, rather than being maintained continuously. The removable cartridge allows the vacuum to be created, used, and then released, reducing sustained stress on components while maintaining adequate force during active delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum is generated periodically or on-demand through the removable cartridge mechanism rather than continuously. This periodic action provides sufficient vacuum force for fluid delivery while allowing components to rest and recover, extending their operational lifespan.
3Reliability
If the vacuum chamber is sealed completely, then vacuum volume is preserved, but controlled vacuum release for storage protection is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The removable cartridge acts as an intermediary between the vacuum chamber and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows the vacuum to be sealed when needed for fluid delivery and safely released when the cartridge is removed, offering both preservation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is dynamic rather than static, allowing the vacuum chamber to transition between sealed and open states. The removable cartridge can be inserted to seal the vacuum or removed to release it, providing versatile control over vacuum pressure based on operational needs.
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
This solution maintains the vacuum volume and reduces stress on components, ensuring consistent fluid output and extending the device's operational lifespan by preventing external gas infiltration and minimizing component damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first plunger configured to generate a vacuum in the first chamber responsive to movement of the first plunger in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
the flow control member is configured to allow the portion of the fluid in the second chamber to flow through the flow control member into the fluid reservoir at a predetermined flow rate
Implementation Method 3
external gases permeate into the vacuum chamber over time and replace at least a portion of the vacuum chamber that was previously occupied by the vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery device includes: a first chamber configured to receive fluid from a fluid reservoir; a second chamber configured generate a vacuum therein to apply pressure to the fluid in the first chamber to enable the fluid in the first chamber to be output from the fluid delivery device; and a flow control member configured to allow the fluid in the first chamber to flow through the flow control member into the fluid reservoir at a predetermined flow rate to decrease the vacuum in the second chamber.