Valve System Backflow Prevention and Dual Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical injector systems are costly and lack the ability to perform patency checks and concurrent dual flow without user intervention, while also failing to prevent backflow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a backflow prevention mechanism and a bypass flow path that includes check valves and deformable sealing members to manage fluid flow between multiple sources, allowing for patency checks and concurrent dual flow without user intervention, while preventing backflow into the fluid sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If check valves are provided to prevent backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but the ability to perform patency checks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is divided into multiple independent valve elements (first check valve, second check valve, first bypass valve, second bypass valve) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to provide backflow prevention through check valves while enabling patency checks through bypass valves, resolving the contradiction between these two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: backflow prevention, patency checking, and concurrent dual flow control. By making the valve system multi-functional, it eliminates the need for separate devices and allows all functions to coexist without interference.
2Reliability
If a T-connector with check valves is used to connect multiple syringes, then backflow prevention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions (check valves and bypass valves) are merged into a single integrated valve system with a unified housing and coordinated valve elements. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining backflow prevention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve system performs multiple functions (backflow prevention, patency checking, flow control) within a single device, eliminating the need for separate T-connectors, check valves, and bypass devices, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If check valves are used to prevent backflow, then directional flow control is improved, but the ability to enable concurrent dual flow without user intervention is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The valve elements are designed to dynamically respond to pressure changes from either syringe automatically. When pressure is applied to either the first or second syringe, the corresponding check valve opens and bypass valves close automatically, enabling concurrent dual flow without user intervention while maintaining directional flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system automatically regulates flow based on pressure inputs from the syringes without requiring external control. The check valves and bypass valves self-adjust their states based on the pressure conditions, enabling automated concurrent dual flow activation while maintaining proper flow direction.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate valves are provided for backflow prevention and flow control, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions are combined into a single integrated valve assembly with coordinated valve elements within one housing. This merging maintains precise flow control through properly designed valve mechanisms while reducing the number of separate components, thereby lowering device complexity.
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 valve system effectively prevents backflow, allows for patency checks, and enables concurrent dual flow from multiple fluid sources to a patient, enhancing the efficiency and safety of medical fluid delivery while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Flow of fluid into the second inlet port at a first pressure deforms a central portion of the sealing member to block flow into the first inlet port
Implementation Method 2
a backflow prevention system to prevent flow of the first pressurized fluid through the second inlet and to prevent flow of the second pressurized fluid through the first inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system for use in a system including a first source of a first pressurized fluid and a second source of a second pressurized fluid includes a valve housing including a first inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the first source, a second inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the second source and an outlet port. The valve system further includes a backflow prevention system to prevent flow of the first pressurized fluid through the second inlet and to prevent flow of the second pressurized fluid through the first inlet port. The valve system is adapted to provide a fluid path between at least the first inlet port and the outlet port to enable fluid to be drawn from the outlet port to the first inlet port. Several of the valve systems of the present invention provide for flow from the first inlet port to the outlet port and concurrent flow from the second inlet port to the outlet port.