Vented Syringe Flow Control for Enteral Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metered enteral feeding systems require manual timing of drips in a drip chamber to determine the rate of flow, which can lead to incorrect delivery rates and is visually dependent, making them inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A metered enteral feeding system utilizing a vented syringe with a flow control valve and adjustable tubing to control the rate of fluid delivery, allowing for precise adjustment of the flow rate through the enteral feeding tube, with optional monitoring of the rate by measuring time intervals and volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a drip chamber is used to monitor flow rate by visual drip counting, then the system provides a visual monitor for calculating flow rate, but manual timing and visual monitoring are required which can lead to incorrect delivery rates and are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual monitoring and timing mechanism with an electronic sensor system that automatically detects and measures the flow rate. The sensor system electronically monitors the drip chamber and provides automated flow rate calculation, eliminating the need for manual timing and visual counting by healthcare providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor system continuously monitors the actual flow rate and provides real-time data. This feedback allows the system to alert healthcare providers if the flow rate deviates from the prescribed rate, enabling corrective action to be taken to maintain accurate delivery.
2Reliability
If manual timing of drips is required to determine flow rate, then the system can calculate approximate flow rate, but visual monitoring is necessary which increases the potential for human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human visual monitoring system with an electronic sensor-based monitoring system. The sensor automatically detects drips and calculates flow rate without requiring human intervention, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-monitoring of the flow rate, automatically detecting drips and calculating the flow rate without requiring external human observation. The system serves itself by providing automated monitoring and alerting capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flow control valve is added to adjust flow rate, then the system can control delivery rate more precisely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual flow control adjustment with an electronically controlled flow regulation system. The system uses sensors and electronic controls to automatically regulate flow rate according to prescribed parameters, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment while providing more precise control.
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 accurate and efficient delivery of nutrients by allowing for adjustable flow rates, reducing the need for visual monitoring and minimizing errors in delivery rates, thus improving the reliability of enteral feeding systems.
Implementation Method 1
The barrel includes at least one vent for allowing airflow into the contained volume through the vent when the plunger is in the venting position
Implementation Method 2
The flow control valve is adjustable to provide an increased or decreased flowrate therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A metered enteral feeding system for delivering fluids, the metered enteral feeding system including a vented container with contained volume for containing the fluids. The metered enteral feeding system includes a discharge port for discharging the fluid from the contained volume and at least one vent for allowing airflow into the contained volume. The metered enteral feeding system also includes a flow control valve in fluid communication with the discharge port of the vented container. The fluid control valve is adjustable to provide an increased or decreased flowrate therethrough.