Infusion Air Detection With Non-Resonant Sensor Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converters in infusion systems can become over-saturated when operating at resonant frequencies, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in detecting air in fluid delivery lines, causing errors and alarms.
Innovation Solution
The system operates sensors at a modified frequency different from their resonant frequency to reduce signal amplitude below the saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter, preventing over-saturation and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency to maximize signal output, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the analog-to-digital converter becomes over-saturated causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the sensor from the resonant frequency to a non-resonant frequency. This parameter change reduces the signal amplitude to a level that the analog-to-digital converter can process without over-saturation, while still maintaining sufficient detection capability for air presence in the fluid delivery line.
2Power
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency, then signal amplitude is maximized for better detection, but over-saturation occurs leading to errors and alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating the sensor at a frequency that provides sufficient but not excessive signal amplitude. Instead of maximizing the signal at resonant frequency, the system uses a modified frequency that delivers adequate detection capability while keeping the signal within the linear processing range of the analog-to-digital converter, avoiding over-saturation.
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
This approach enhances the reliability and accuracy of air detection in infusion systems by avoiding signal over-saturation, reducing errors, and ensuring accurate fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor is disposed adjacent to the fluid delivery line and configured to transmit and receive a signal to detect whether there is air in the fluid delivery line... The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal.