Vacuum Pressure Regulator With Flexible Membrane for Blood Draw Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collapse of a patient's blood vessel during blood collection occurs due to the rapid flow rate caused by the instantaneous vacuum pressure applied by evacuated tubes, leading to vessel wall collapse and potential flow stoppage.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pressure regulator with a flexible member that modulates the flow rate by restricting the fluid passageway in response to differential pressure, slowing down the initial flow rate and preventing vessel collapse, featuring a tubular sidewall with a flexible member that can collapse to restrict the flow area and include a venturi channel for accelerated flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an evacuated tube is connected to a blood collection set, then blood is drawn into the tube, but the instantaneous vacuum pressure causes a spiked flow rate that leads to vessel collapse
Solution Approach 1:
A regulator device is introduced as an intermediary component between the evacuated tube and the blood collection set. This regulator includes a flexible membrane that automatically modulates the vacuum pressure transmission, creating a buffer that prevents the instantaneous pressure spike from reaching the blood vessel while still allowing effective blood collection
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator dynamically changes the vacuum pressure parameter transmitted to the blood collection system. By using a flexible membrane with specific elasticity characteristics, the system transforms the instantaneous high-pressure vacuum into a controlled, gradual pressure application that maintains blood flow without causing vessel collapse
2Speed
If vacuum pressure is applied to draw blood, then blood flows into the collection tube, but the flow rate is too rapid causing vessel wall collapse against the cannula bevel
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator employs a dynamic flexible membrane that automatically adjusts its resistance to vacuum pressure based on the instantaneous pressure conditions. As vacuum pressure increases, the membrane deflects to reduce flow; as pressure equalizes, the membrane returns to allow normal flow. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous, stable blood flow without sudden spikes that cause vessel collapse
3Ease of manufacture
If standard evacuated tubes are used, then blood collection is performed, but the instantaneous vacuum pressure spike cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
A regulator device is introduced as an intermediary component between the evacuated tube and the blood collection set. This regulator includes a flexible membrane that automatically modulates the vacuum pressure transmission, creating a buffer that prevents the instantaneous pressure spike from reaching the blood vessel while still allowing effective blood collection
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator dynamically changes the vacuum pressure parameter transmitted to the blood collection system. By using a flexible membrane with specific elasticity characteristics, the system transforms the instantaneous high-pressure vacuum into a controlled, gradual pressure application that maintains blood flow without causing vessel collapse
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 regulator effectively minimizes vessel collapse by controlling the flow rate, preventing rapid depletion of blood and ensuring continuous blood collection by maintaining a stable flow path through automatic and optional manual regulation.
Implementation Method 1
Upon the exposure of the fluid transfer device to a differential pressure, the flexible member is configured for movement with respect to the fluid passageway to modulate a flow rate of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member can comprise a spring element... the flexible member is configured for movement with respect to the fluid passageway... the flexible member can be configured to at least partially collapse toward the fluid passageway to restrict a flow area
Implementation Method 3
A venturi channel can be associated with the flexible member which can be adapted to accelerate the flow of fluid through an area adjacent the flexible member upon exposure to the differential pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A regulator for in-line modulation of the flow rate of fluid during blood collection includes a fluid transfer device for transferring fluid from a patient to a collection device. The fluid transfer device comprises a fluid passageway defined by a tubular sidewall and a flexible member associated with a portion of the tubular sidewall. The flexible member is configured for movement with respect to the fluid passageway upon exposure of the fluid transfer device to a differential pressure during a blood collection procedure to prevent collapse of a patients blood vessel. The flexible member of the regulator can be a frame surrounding a flexible diaphragm. Alternatively, the flexible member can include a flexible material integrally formed within the tubular sidewall of the pressure regulator.