Advanced Intravenous Tubing Venting System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An intelligent, adaptive, and modular venting system for intravenous tubing that leverages advanced materials, sensors, and machine learning algorithms to ensure bubble-free fluid delivery and optimize patient care.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's venting valve, while effective, has limitations in detecting and removing air bubbles in real-time, leading to potential complications in patient care. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating smart sensors, micro-valves, and real-time monitoring systems to provide a more efficient and reliable venting solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced venting system comprises a smart sensor that detects air bubbles in the tubing, a micro-valve that releases air bubbles while maintaining fluid flow, and a real-time monitoring system that tracks air removal efficiency. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent air bubble formation, dynamically adjusting fluid flow rates to ensure bubble-free delivery. The nanotechnology-enhanced membrane selectively removes air bubbles while preserving fluid integrity, with a feedback loop adjusting membrane permeability based on real-time fluid flow analysis. The system is modular, allowing for interchangeable venting modules with varying air removal capacities, and is optimized through a software platform that selects the most suitable venting module based on patient-specific fluid delivery requirements.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in intravenous tubing venting by integrating advanced sensors, machine learning algorithms, and nanotechnology-enhanced membranes, providing a more efficient, reliable, and adaptive venting solution that overcomes the limitations of the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include wearable devices for real-time IV tubing monitoring, personalized alert systems for healthcare professionals, or integration with existing hospital infrastructure for seamless implementation.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced venting system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in hospitals and healthcare facilities, where it can improve patient care, reduce complications, and enhance the overall efficiency of intravenous fluid delivery.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Engineering, specifically Intravenous (IV) Fluid Delivery Systems with a focus on Air Bubble Removal Technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in fluid dynamics, sensor technologies, and medical device design, holding a master's or doctoral degree with 3-5 years of experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the advanced venting system represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core air extraction principles. The fundamental problem of air bubble removal in IV tubing remains consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental improvements using known sensor and machine learning technologies. The core mechanical concept of air bubble separation is preserved, while adding computational and material science enhancements that would be considered routine optimization by a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,774 |
|---|---|
| Title | Intravenous tubing venting assembly |
| Assignee(s) | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED |