Variable Flow Resistor for Constant-Rate Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid infusion systems, particularly in healthcare, face challenges with inaccurate flow control, patient safety, and mobility limitations due to reliance on outdated technologies like gravity-driven and electronic infusion pumps, which are prone to errors and recalls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elastomeric pump with an inflatable member and a flow resistor that passively regulates fluid flow to maintain a constant rate, independent of pressure sources and fluid reservoirs, using a piston within the flow resistor to define a constricted cross-sectional path for precise flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive flow resistors are used to control fluid flow, then flow control accuracy improves, but the system becomes dependent on initial pressure conditions and device-specific trajectories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional parameter of the flow resistor from being pressure-dependent to flow-rate-dependent. By designing the flow resistor with a constricted cross-sectional area that creates a pressure drop proportional to the square of the flow rate, the system achieves accurate flow control that is independent of initial reservoir pressure conditions. This allows the same flow resistor to be used across different devices and pressure sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow resistor acts as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the delivery system. It mediates the relationship between pressure and flow by converting pressure differential into a controlled flow rate through its constricted geometry. This intermediary function decouples the flow control accuracy from the specific pressure conditions, enabling versatility across different applications.
2Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are used to achieve accurate flow control, then flow accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple passive mechanical flow resistor. The flow resistor uses its constricted cross-sectional area to passively regulate flow rate based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for electronic pumps, sensors, feedback loops, and power sources. This mechanical substitution achieves flow accuracy without the complexity and cost of electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow resistor is a self-regulating component that automatically controls flow rate based on the pressure differential across it. It requires no external control signals, power sources, or active components. The constricted geometry self-adjusts the flow rate to maintain accuracy, making the system simpler and more reliable while reducing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If passive flow resistors are designed to be device-specific, then flow control accuracy improves for that device, but adaptability to other applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flow resistor with universal applicability by basing its flow control characteristics on the instantaneous pressure difference rather than device-specific initial conditions. The constricted cross-sectional area is designed to create a pressure drop that is a function of flow rate squared, which is a universal relationship that applies across different devices, reservoir sizes, and pressure sources, enabling the same flow resistor to be used in multiple applications while maintaining accuracy.
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 system provides a reliable, safe, and cost-effective means to deliver fluids at a consistent flow rate, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing patient mobility while maintaining accuracy and safety, especially suitable for outpatient infusions.
Implementation Method 1
the flow resistor including a piston movably situated within the flow resistor to define a constricted cross-sectional flow path, therebetween, for modifying a flow rate of a fluid flow through the flow resistor to passively regulate the fluid flow to a substantially constant flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing flow along a pathway are provided herein. The system and method can include a pump for providing a fluid flow along the pathway, a flow regulator in fluid communication at its input end with the pump and designed to maintain flow therethrough at a substantially constant flow rate, and the pathway being in fluid communication with an output of the flow resistor for directing fluid flow to a destination at the substantially constant flow rate.