Systems and devices for infusion rate measurement for medical fluid administration

Abstract

A system for measuring a drip rate can include a drip chamber device and a drip rate measurement device. The drip chamber device can include an elongated body including an inner surface defining a chamber. The drip chamber can be fluidly coupled with a container containing an IV fluid configured to drip droplets of the IV fluid into the chamber. The drip rate measurement device can include a housing configured to mount onto the elongated body of the drip chamber, and a load cell transducer mounted in the elongated body and extending into the chamber. The load cell transducer can be configured to measure a weight of the droplets of the IV fluid and convert the weight into an electrical signal. The drip rate measurement device can further include a controller electrically coupled with the load cell transducer to process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the administration of parenteral fluids to patients via intravenous (IV) kits, and particularly to an improved IV infusion rate measurement system and associated infusion chamber for use in IV fluid delivery systems. Background Technology

[0002] IV kits for administering parenteral fluids typically include an infusion chamber, a section of transparent plastic tubing attached to the discharge end of the infusion chamber, one or more clamps for regulating the flow of fluid through the transparent tubing, and a mechanism at the distal end of the tubing for attaching a subcutaneous needle, which is inserted into a patient's vein or artery. The infusion chamber is typically cylindrical and features a sharp, hollow element (i.e., a puncture element) at the top, adapted to puncture the rubber or elastic seal on an inverted parenteral fluid bottle to drain fluid from the bottle into the infusion chamber. The cylindrical walls of the infusion chamber are formed of transparent plastic material to allow detection of the fluid being infused into the chamber.

[0003] Fluid flow to the patient is typically determined by counting the number of drops of fluid falling into the infusion chamber over a period of time, and then multiplying that number by a standard number for the volume of each drop. When this flow rate detection method is performed manually, it is often inaccurate due to human error. Furthermore, continuous monitoring can be time-consuming.

[0004] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a system for measuring drip rate may include a drip chamber device and a drip rate measuring device. The drip chamber device includes an elongated body having an inner surface defining a chamber. The drip chamber may be fluidly coupled to a container containing IV fluid, the container being configured to drip IV fluid into the chamber. The drip rate measuring device may include a housing configured to be mounted on the elongated body of the drip chamber, and a load cell transducer mounted in the elongated body and extending into the chamber. The load cell transducer may be configured to measure the weight of the IV fluid droplets and convert the weight into an electrical signal. The drip rate measuring device may further include a controller electrically coupled to the load cell transducer to process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid.

[0006] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a system for measuring the drip rate of an IV fluid may include a drip chamber fluidly coupled to a container containing the IV fluid, the container being configured to drip IV fluid droplets into the interior of the drip chamber. The drip chamber may include an aperture extending laterally from an outer surface of a sidewall of the drip chamber into the interior of the drip chamber. A drip rate measuring device may be detachably coupled to the drip chamber. The drip rate measuring device may include a housing and a load cell transducer mounted on the housing. When the drip rate measuring device is coupled to the drip chamber, the load cell transducer may extend into the drip chamber via the aperture. The load cell transducer may be configured to measure the weight of the IV fluid droplets and convert that weight into an electrical signal. A controller may be electrically coupled to the load cell transducer to process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid.

[0007] It should be understood that, from the following detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily recognize other configurations of the subject matter, wherein various configurations of the subject matter are illustrated and described. As will be appreciated, the subject matter can have other and different configurations, and certain details thereof can be modified in various other ways, all without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Therefore, the accompanying drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative in nature, not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and those who benefit from this disclosure, the disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function.

[0009] Figure 1 An IV kit including an infusion chamber device is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2A A front view of a system for measuring drip rate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2B A perspective view of a system for measuring drip rate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3A A drip chamber device with an integrated load cell converter is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3B A drip chamber device with an integrated load cell converter, detachably coupled to the drip chamber, is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the interrelationships between various components of a drip rate measuring device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The detailed descriptions below depict various configurations of the subject matter and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject matter can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter, the detailed descriptions include specific details. Therefore, dimensions regarding certain aspects may be provided as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter.

[0016] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject matter and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject matter are now disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be carried out in different ways and variations, and may conform to desired applications or implementations.

[0017] This description generally relates to the administration of parenteral fluids to patients via intravenous (IV) kits, and particularly to an improved IV infusion rate measurement system and associated infusion chamber for use in an IV fluid delivery system. Specifically, various embodiments of this disclosure relate to providing a system for measuring infusion rate, the system including an infusion chamber device and an infusion rate measuring device, the infusion chamber device having an elongated body including an inner surface defining a chamber. The infusion chamber may be fluidly coupled to a container containing IV fluid configured to drip IV fluid into the chamber. The infusion rate measuring device may include a housing configured to be mounted on the elongated body of the infusion chamber, and a load cell transducer mounted in the elongated body and extending into the chamber. In some embodiments, the load cell transducer may be a strain gauge-based load cell transducer. The strain gauge-based load cell transducer may be configured to measure the weight of the IV fluid droplets and convert that weight into an electrical signal. The drip rate measuring device may further include a controller electrically coupled to the load unit converter to process electrical signals and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid, particularly the drip rate of the IV fluid.

[0018] Therefore, the systems and apparatuses described herein for monitoring and measuring the drip rate of IV fluids are advantageous in utilizing strain gauge-based load cell transducers that accurately determine the drip rate based on the actual weight of the droplets, rather than on droplet counts. This configuration is advantageous compared to currently existing systems and apparatuses for measuring drip or droplet rates, as these do not measure the actual weight of the droplets. Instead, current systems and apparatuses use infrared (IR) or other optical sensors to count droplets and track the intervals between drops to determine the flow rate. This method is not always accurate because the size and volume of the droplets dripped into the drip chamber can vary over time due to factors such as changes in specific gravity, viscosity, density, pressure, and gravity at the IV fluid bag or container. Therefore, current systems, apparatuses, and methods for calculating drip rates without considering the actual weight of each droplet may inaccurately lead to overestimation or underestimation of the IV fluid drip or droplet rate.

[0019] Figure 1 A multi-line IV extension kit 1 including an infusion chamber device 10 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The IV kit 1 may include an IV bag 30 containing parenteral fluid suspended on an IV support (not shown). As shown, the IV kit 1 may include an infusion chamber device 10, a tubing 4, a roller clamp 2 for manual flow control, a Y-section connector, a filter 5, and an adapter or Luer connector 8 for connecting the tubing 4 to a needle or catheter located at the distal end of the tubing 4. As shown, the infusion chamber device 10 may generally be in the form of a hollow, cylindrical, elongated body 15 made of transparent plastic. The upper portion of the body 15 may be provided with a pointed piercing element or needle 3 adapted to be inserted through a pierceable seal of the IV bag 30 to drain fluid 32 therein via a drip former 17. In some embodiments, the elongated body 15 may include an inner surface 20 defining a chamber 25. As shown, the infusion chamber 15 can be fluidly connected to a container (e.g., configured to infuse droplets 34 of IV fluid 32 into the IV bag 30 in the chamber 25).

[0020] Figure 2A A front view of a system for measuring drip rate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2B A perspective view of a system for measuring drip rate according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 2A and 2BThe system 100 for measuring drip rate may include a drip chamber assembly 10 and a drip rate measuring device 40. In some embodiments, the drip rate measuring device 40 may include a housing 42 configured to be mounted on an elongated body of the drip chamber. For example, the housing 42 may include a recess or groove 44 extending longitudinally from an upper surface 48 to a lower surface 49 of the housing 42. The diameter or radius of the recess or groove 44 may correspond to the outer diameter of the elongated body 15 of the drip chamber assembly 10, such that the housing 42 can be mounted on the sidewall of the elongated body 15, as shown below. Figure 2B As shown.

[0021] In some embodiments, the drip rate measuring device 40 may further include a load cell transducer 50 mounted in the elongated body 15 and extending laterally into the chamber 25. As will be described in further detail below, the load cell transducer 50 may be configured to measure the weight of the droplets 34 of IV fluid 32 and convert that weight into an electrical signal. In some embodiments, as will be described in further detail below, the drip rate measuring device may include a controller 86 (such as...). Figure 4 A processor (shown) or similar, electrically coupled to the load unit converter 50, is used to process electrical signals and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid 32.

[0022] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the load cell transducer 50 can be a strain gauge-based load cell transducer. As shown, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer can be in the form of an elongated body extending laterally or laterally into the chamber 25. In operation, as a droplet flows from the droplet former 17 onto the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 may deform under the weight / force applied due to the weight of the droplet 34. The weight of the droplet 34 can be sensed or measured by the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50. The strain associated with the weight of the droplet 34 applied to the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 can be converted into an electrical signal by the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50. As will be described in further detail below, the controller 86 can process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid. The cumulative increment of weight over time can be processed as parameters such as droplet count / drip rate, flow rate, and drug volume. Therefore, the controller can calculate and output a more accurate drop count, volume, and flow rate of the IV fluid based on the actual weight of the droplets measured by the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50. This configuration is advantageous when compared to current systems and devices used to measure drip or drop rate because these current systems and devices do not measure the actual weight of the droplets. Instead, current systems and devices use infrared (IR) or other optical sensors to count droplets and track the intervals between droplets to determine the flow rate. This method is not always accurate because the size and volume of the droplets dripped into the drip chamber can vary over time due to factors such as changes in specific gravity, viscosity, density, pressure, and gravity at the IV fluid bag or container. Therefore, current systems, devices, and methods for calculating drip rates without considering the actual weight of each droplet may inaccurately lead to overestimation or underestimation of the IV fluid drip or drop rate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 may be coated with one or more of acrylic, epoxy, or polyurethane. This configuration may help prevent patients and hospital staff from inadvertently receiving electric shocks from the load cell transducer 50.

[0024] In some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transformer 50 may have a circular geometry. For example, as... Figure 2B As shown, the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50 can have a cylindrical shape. This configuration helps prevent dripping stagnation on the load cell, which could otherwise interfere with data accuracy.

[0025] In some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 may be formed of a material capable of withstanding a temperature range of 5 to 50 degrees Celsius without affecting its droplet weight measurement capability. For example, in some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer may be formed of one or more materials including, but not limited to, ferritic steel, austenitic steel, and titanium.

[0026] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the drip rate measuring device 40 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 60 disposed within a housing 42 of the drip measuring device 40. A controller 86 may be disposed on the PCB 60. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be etched or soldered onto the PCB 60. In some embodiments, several other components may be disposed on the PCB for processing analog signals generated by the strain gauge-based load cell converter 40. In some embodiments, the PCB 60 may be a single-chip PCB.

[0027] As shown, the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50 may include terminal points 52 for electrically coupling the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50 to the PCB 60 and related components (e.g., controller 86). Similarly, the housing 42 may include corresponding terminal points 62 through which the PCB 60 and related components (e.g., controller 86) are electrically coupled to the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50. As shown, the terminal points 62 may be located in a recess or groove 44, at a position on the front 46 of the housing 42 corresponding to the position of the terminal points 52 on the elongated body, to allow electrical coupling of components of the PCB 60 (e.g., controller 86) to the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50.

[0028] Figure 3A A drip chamber device with an integrated load cell converter 50 is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 3A As shown, in some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 can be integrated into the elongated body 15 of the drip chamber device 10. For example, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 can be fixedly mounted to or integrally formed with the elongated body 15 of the drip chamber device 10. In these embodiments, the terminal point 52 of the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 can be fixedly positioned on or within the sidewall of the elongated body 15 of the drip chamber device 50. In these embodiments, the terminal point 52 can be fixedly connected to the sidewall of the elongated body 15 via plastic welding or other connection methods. For example, the terminal point 52 can be fixed to the drip chamber 10 by ultrasonic welding.

[0029] Figure 3BA drip chamber device with an integrated load cell converter 50, detachably coupled to a drip chamber 10, is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A As shown, in some embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 may be a separate component detachably coupled to the drip chamber 10. In these embodiments, the drip chamber assembly 10 may include a hole 54 extending laterally from the outer surface of the sidewall of the elongated body 15 of the drip chamber assembly 10. As shown, the hole 54 may extend into the interior of the drip chamber assembly 10 to allow the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 to be detachably mounted therein. In these embodiments, the strain gauge-based load cell transducer 50 may be coupled to the housing 42.

[0030] Refer back Figure 2A and 2B According to various aspects of this disclosure, the drip rate measuring device 40 may further include a display device 70 electrically coupled to and communicating with the PCB. For example, the display device may be a graphical user interface (GUI) display configured to display at least one parameter (e.g., drip count / drip rate, flow rate, and volume) calculated and output by the controller. The display device 70 may include at least one of a drip count display segment 72 for displaying a drip count output sent from the controller, a flow rate display segment 74 for displaying a flow rate output sent from the controller, or a volume display segment 76 for displaying a volume output sent from the controller.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the interrelationships between various components of the drip rate measuring device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed, the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50 can convert the change in force (i.e., strain) applied to the strain gauge-based load cell converter 50 due to the weight of the droplet 34 into an analog electrical signal. The analog electrical signal can be inversely proportional to the force being measured. As shown, the analog electrical signal can be amplified by amplifier 80 and then fed into filter circuit 82 to filter or remove any unwanted data or noise. The filtered signal can then be fed into analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) 84, which converts the analog signal into a digital signal. In some embodiments, amplifier 80, filter circuit 82, and A / D converter 84 can each be disposed, etched on, or soldered onto PCB 60. Controller 86 can process the digital output data from A / D converter 84 and then send the converted data to display device 70 for viewing. In some embodiments, controller can exchange data with memory storage device 88. The cumulative increment of weight stored in memory storage device 88 over time can be processed into accurate drop count / drop rate, flow rate and volume of IV fluid.

[0032] Therefore, the systems and apparatuses described herein for monitoring and measuring the drip rate of IV fluids are advantageous in utilizing strain gauge-based load cell transducers that accurately determine the drip rate based on the actual weight of the droplets, rather than on droplet counts. This configuration is advantageous compared to currently available systems and apparatuses for measuring drip or droplet rates, as these do not measure the actual weight of the droplets. Instead, current systems and apparatuses use infrared (IR) or other optical sensors to count droplets and track the intervals between droplets to determine the flow rate. This method is not always accurate because the size and volume of the droplets dripped into the drip chamber can vary over time due to factors such as changes in specific gravity, viscosity, density, pressure, and gravity at the IV fluid bag or container. Therefore, current systems, apparatuses, and methods for calculating drip rates without considering the actual weight of each droplet may inaccurately lead to overestimation or underestimation of the IV fluid drip or droplet rate.

[0033] Furthermore, because the systems and apparatuses using the various embodiments described herein can more accurately measure the infused IV fluid, providing an accurate IV fluid drip rate, errors associated with manually counting drops can be avoided. As mentioned above, the drip rate is based on weight, rather than on drop counts as is traditionally done in current existing systems.

[0034] Furthermore, a further advantage of the systems and devices of the various embodiments described herein is that continuous monitoring of IV fluid is not required because manual counting of drops is not necessary.

[0035] Furthermore, the drip chambers and drip chamber devices of the various embodiments described herein can be advantageously used with any type of IV fitting (e.g., macro drip fittings or micro drip fittings).

[0036] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0038] The term “exemplary” is used in this document to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being better or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0039] As used herein, the phrase “at least one…” preceding a series of terms, separated by the term “or,” modifies the entirety of the listed entries, not each term in the list of entries. The phrase “at least one…” does not require the selection of at least one term; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any term, and / or at least one of any combination of terms, and / or at least one of each term. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” can refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0040] For example, phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an aspect can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an embodiment can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such a configuration is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such a configuration can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0041] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, grades, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the appended claims) are approximate, not precise. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0042] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or operations in the disclosed process or method is an illustration of an exemplary method. Depending on implementation preferences or scenarios, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, some operations may be performed or not. Some or all steps, operations, or processes can be performed automatically without user intervention. The appended method claims present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0043] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein, known or to be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended for public use, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. No claim element may be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless it is expressly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “steps for…”. Furthermore, with regard to the use of the terms “comprising,” “having,” or similar terms, such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0044] The title, background art, summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. It should be understood upon filing this application that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent from the detailed description that it provides illustrative examples and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim stands independently as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0045] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of Title 35 of the United States Code, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A system for measuring drip rate, characterized in that, include: A drip chamber device comprising an elongated body including an inner surface defining a chamber, the drip chamber device being fluidly connected to a container containing IV fluid, the container being configured to drip IV fluid into the chamber; as well as Drip rate measuring device, comprising: A housing configured to be mounted onto an elongated body of the drip chamber device; A load cell transducer, mounted within the elongated body and extending laterally into the chamber, is configured to measure the weight of a droplet of IV fluid and convert that weight into an electrical signal; and A controller electrically coupled to the load unit converter to process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system further includes a display device electrically coupled to the controller to display the at least one parameter.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The load cell converter includes a strain gauge-based load cell converter.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The strain gauge-based load cell transducer includes an elongated body extending laterally into the chamber, and the strain gauge-based load cell transducer is configured to deform due to the weight of a droplet falling on the elongated body.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elongated body includes a cylindrical elongated body.

6. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The device further includes a printed circuit board disposed in the housing of the drip rate measuring device, wherein the controller is disposed on the printed circuit board.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The load cell converter includes a first terminal point and a second terminal point, and the housing includes corresponding first and second terminal points for electrically coupling the printed circuit board to the load cell converter.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes an amplifier disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board for amplifying electrical signals.

9. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes an analog-to-digital converter disposed on and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board for converting electrical signals from analog signals to digital signals.

10. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a filtering circuit disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board for removing unwanted data.

11. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The printed circuit board includes a single-chip printed circuit board.

12. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display device includes at least one of the following: a drop count display section for displaying a drop count output sent from the controller, a flow rate display section for displaying a flow rate output sent from the controller, or a volume display section for displaying a volume output sent from the controller.

13. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The load unit converter is fixedly installed in the slender body of the drip chamber device.

14. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The load unit converter is detachably mounted in the elongated body of the drip chamber device.

15. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The load unit converter is coated with at least one of acrylic, epoxy resin or polyurethane.

16. A system for measuring the drip rate of IV fluid, characterized in that, The system includes: A fluid connection is made to a drip chamber of a container containing IV fluid, the container being configured to drip IV fluid into the interior of the drip chamber, the drip chamber including an orifice extending laterally from the outer surface of the sidewall of the drip chamber into the interior of the drip chamber; A drip rate measuring device detachably connected to the drip chamber, the drip rate measuring device comprising: case; A load cell transducer mounted on the housing, extending through the orifice into the drip chamber when the drip rate measuring device is coupled to the drip chamber, is configured to measure the weight of a droplet of IV fluid and convert the weight into an electrical signal; and A controller electrically coupled to the load unit converter to process the electrical signal and output at least one parameter associated with the IV fluid.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The system further includes a display device electrically coupled to the controller to display the at least one parameter.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The load cell converter includes a strain gauge-based load cell converter.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The strain gauge-based load cell transducer includes an elongated body extending laterally into the drip chamber, and the strain gauge-based load cell transducer is configured to deform due to the weight of the droplet falling on the elongated body.

20. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least one parameter includes at least one of the IV fluid drop count, flow rate, or volume.

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