Adaptive Check Valve for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative check valve designed for high-pressure, cryogenic, high-security, and extreme weather conditions, providing reliable fluid flow and addressing the limitations of traditional check valves.
Background and Problem Solved
Traditional check valves are often limited in their ability to operate in specialized environments, such as high-pressure medical applications, cryogenic storage, high-security facilities, or extreme weather conditions. These limitations can lead to compromised fluid flow, contamination, or even system failure. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing adaptive check valve solutions tailored to specific operational environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a family of check valves designed for specialized applications. The first embodiment features a reinforced valve body and a wiping extension capable of withstanding pressures exceeding 10 bar, making it suitable for high-pressure medical applications. The second embodiment is a method for disaster relief, incorporating a portable medical fluid delivery system with the disclosed check valve to ensure reliable fluid flow in harsh environmental conditions. The third embodiment features a thermally insulated valve body and a wiping extension adapted to operate at temperatures below -100°C, ideal for cryogenic medical fluid storage. The fourth embodiment is a system for medical fluid delivery in high-security environments, comprising the disclosed check valve and a secure enclosure to prevent tampering. The fifth embodiment features a weather-resistant valve body and a wiping extension designed to operate in temperatures exceeding 50°C and humidity above 80%, making it suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to specific operational environments, which is achieved through the combination of specialized materials, designs, and configurations. The inventive step is the recognition of the need for adaptive check valve solutions and the provision of a family of embodiments that address these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments may include check valves with adjustable pressure ratings, modular designs for easy maintenance, or integrated sensors for real-time monitoring. Variations may also include different materials, such as titanium or ceramic, for enhanced durability or corrosion resistance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and disaster relief. The target markets include hospitals, medical research facilities, and emergency response organizations. The adaptive check valve solutions can provide a competitive advantage in these markets by offering reliable, efficient, and secure fluid flow management.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M5/16881 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/24 |
| B | B08 | B08B1/005 |
| B | B08 | B08B1/02 |
| F | F16 | F16K15/02 |
| F | F16 | F16K15/023 |
| A | A61 | A61M2039/246 |
| A | A61 | A61M2209/10 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical fluid delivery systems, specifically check valve technologies for intravenous sets and medical fluid control mechanisms, involving expertise in fluid dynamics, medical device engineering, and materials science
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years professional experience, familiar with fluid control technologies, medical device standards, and materials performance under varying environmental conditions
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental check valve design provides a flexible framework for environmental adaptation. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications using known techniques of material selection, thermal engineering, and structural reinforcement. These adaptations would be considered routine problem-solving within the technical domain of medical fluid delivery systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,761 |
|---|---|
| Title | Check valve |
| Assignee(s) | CareFusion 303, Inc. |