Wedge-Actuated IV Tubing Flow Control for Stable Gravity Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV fluid administration systems using roller clamps struggle to provide precise control over flow rates, making it difficult to maintain desired infusion rates during gravity-driven medical fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A linearly actuated flow controller with interlocked wedge structures and a rotary control mechanism that compresses IV tubing to control fluid flow, allowing for precise adjustment and maintenance of flow rates through linear sliding motion and rotational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller clamp is used to control fluid flow in IV tubing, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow controller is divided into multiple structural members (first structural member, second structural member) that can move relative to each other, allowing independent control of compression force and positioning, thereby improving flow rate control precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first structural member is designed to be linearly slidable along the tubing length, enabling dynamic adjustment of compression force to precisely control flow rate, while the sliding mechanism maintains reasonable device simplicity through guided linear motion
2Measurement precision
If a roller clamp is used for fluid flow control, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the flow rate adjustment precision is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity between the structural members is pre-configured with specific geometry and dimensions to receive the tubing portion, ensuring that when the first structural member slides, the compression force is automatically distributed optimally along the tubing, achieving precise flow control without complex manufacturing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary structure that translates the linear sliding motion of the first structural member into controlled compression of the tubing, facilitating precise flow rate adjustment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward cavity design
3Reliability
If traditional roller clamps are used, then the device structure is simple, but the flow rate maintenance and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The linearly slidable first structural member enables dynamic maintenance of flow rate by allowing continuous adjustment of compression force in response to flow requirements, improving reliability of flow rate maintenance while keeping the structure relatively simple through single-direction sliding
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force is applied locally at specific positions within the cavity between the structural members, allowing precise control of flow rate at the intended location, thereby improving flow maintenance reliability without requiring complex multi-point control mechanisms
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 flow controller provides finer control and improved flow rate maintenance compared to traditional roller clamps, ensuring consistent and adjustable fluid delivery from full flow to complete occlusion, with tactile feedback and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the first structural member is linearly slidable along a length of the tubing to compress at least part of the portion of the tubing to control flow of a medical fluid through the tubing
Data Source
AI summary
Flow controllers for intravenous (IV) tubing are provided. A flow controller may include first and second structural members defining a cavity therebetween for a portion of the tubing, wherein the first structural member is linearly slidable along a length of the tubing to compress at least part of the portion of the tubing to control flow of a medical fluid through the tubing. A flow controller may include a first ramped wedge structure, a second ramped wedge structure configured to slide over the first ramped wedge structure to compress a portion of the IV tubing disposed between the first ramped wedge structure and the second ramped wedge structure, a yoke having a linear slot, a wheel having a pin that is radially separated form a center of the wheel and is slidably disposed in the linear slot, and a transfer structure coupled to the yoke and the first ramped wedge structure. IV sets that include a flow controller are also provided.