Vacuum Regulator Selectable Adjustment Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical suction and aspiration devices require adjustable vacuum levels, but existing technologies lack a reliable mechanism for precise control of vacuum levels during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum regulator with a manifold, bleed orifice, and adjustable components including a metering tip, stem body, adjustment rod, and resilient member, allowing for multiple vacuum adjustment ranges through a rotational adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single vacuum adjustment mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the vacuum control precision is insufficient for different procedural needs
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum regulator is segmented into multiple independent adjustment ranges (first vacuum adjustment range and second vacuum adjustment range), each with its own metering tip configuration. This allows precise control within each range while keeping the overall structure manageable through modular design of the adjustment collar and stem components.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the metering tip can be selectively positioned against the bleed orifice through rotation of the adjustment collar. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to switch between different vacuum adjustment ranges, achieving high precision control without requiring multiple separate regulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum adjustment ranges are provided, then the adaptability to different medical procedures is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum regulator is designed with multi-functionality to handle different medical procedure requirements. The adjustment collar can rotate to select between first and second vacuum adjustment ranges, with each range having optimized metering tip positioning. This universal design allows a single device to adapt to various suction needs without requiring multiple specialized regulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator provides preliminary configuration of multiple vacuum adjustment ranges through the selectable metering tip positions. The operator can pre-select the appropriate vacuum range (first or second) based on the procedural requirements before beginning the medical procedure, simplifying the operation during actual use.
3Measurement precision
If the metering tip is selectively positioned against the bleed orifice, then the vacuum level control precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metering tip positioning is made dynamic through the rotation of the adjustment collar, which selectively positions the metering tip against the bleed orifice. This dynamic mechanism allows for precise vacuum level control by adjusting the metering tip position, while the manufacturing precision requirements are managed through the designed rotation mechanism that provides repeatable positioning.
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
Enables precise control of vacuum levels, ensuring effective fluid management during medical procedures by varying the vacuum strength and fluid flow, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member that is coaxially disposed on the regulator stem
Implementation Method 2
a bleed orifice. The metering tip is selectively positioned against the bleed orifice
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum regulator has a vacuum range controller and a manifold including an inlet opening, a vacuum source connection, and a bleed orifice. The vacuum range controller includes a regulator stem having a metering tip, a stem body, and an adjustment rod. The metering tip is selectively positioned against the bleed orifice. The vacuum range controller further includes a vacuum adjuster having an adjustment collar and a resilient member which are coaxially disposed on a portion of the regulator stem. An adjustment knob engages the adjustment rod for concurrent rotational movement therewith.