Automatic Intravenous Injection System with Sensor-Guided Vein Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous injection methods are inefficient and prone to human error, leading to risks of infection and unsuccessful vein access, particularly in patients requiring frequent or self-administered treatments like hemophiliacs and cancer patients.
Innovation Solution
An automatic intravenous injection system using sensors and motors to precisely identify and penetrate a vein, featuring a needle housing that locks upon entry, with sensors for vein detection and a mechanism to prevent vein rolling, allowing for accurate and safe injections without manual assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual venipuncture is performed by trained personnel, then injection can be administered, but human error and inconsistency in vein access occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform their own venipuncture injections automatically without requiring trained personnel. The automated device identifies the vein, positions the needle, and executes the injection, allowing patients like hemophiliacs to self-administer treatments at home reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical skill of needle insertion with an automated system using sensors (optical, infrared, ultrasound) and motorized positioning. This substitution eliminates human error in vein identification and needle placement while maintaining ease of use.
2Productivity
If larger needle punctures are used for injection, then medication can be delivered, but risk of infection and sharps injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system uses precision motor control and sensor feedback to guide the needle accurately into the vein on the first attempt, eliminating the need for multiple puncture attempts that increase infection risk and sharps injury potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors (optical, infrared, ultrasound) to detect vein location and provides real-time feedback for precise needle positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate first-attempt insertion, reducing the need for repeated needle use and associated hazards.
3Reliability
If multiple injection attempts are made for difficult veins, then successful access can be achieved, but time is lost and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vein identification and mapping using optical, infrared, and ultrasound sensors before needle insertion. This preliminary action allows the system to plan the optimal injection path and execute it in one attempt, eliminating repeated trials and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated positioning system uses motors and sensors to precisely locate and access difficult veins that would require multiple manual attempts. This mechanical substitution enables successful access in a single standardized motion, significantly reducing injection time.
4Reliability
If automated injection system is implemented, then human error is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into functional modules: sensor array for vein detection, motorized positioning system for needle placement, and control system for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple sensor types (optical, infrared, ultrasound) that can detect various vein characteristics and conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse injection scenarios and patient types, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of human error, increases the success rate of vein access, and provides a safe and efficient method for administering medications and blood draws, particularly beneficial for patients requiring frequent intravenous treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The first set of sensors includes at least one of the group consisting of an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, and ultrasound.
Implementation Method 2
The first set of sensors includes at least one of the group consisting of an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, and ultrasound.
Implementation Method 3
The first set of sensors includes at least one of the group consisting of an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, and ultrasound.
Implementation Method 4
The second set of sensors includes at least one of the group consisting of a force sensor, an electrochemical impedance sensor.
Implementation Method 5
the second set of sensors includes first and second electrochemical impedance sensors, wherein detecting entry in the vein includes detecting the presence of a liquid at both the first and second electrochemical impedance sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatic intravenous injection in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for automatically injecting a needle into a vein. The method includes steps for identifying an injection position using a first set of one or more sensors, positioning an injection mechanism at the identified injection position, and vertically inserting a needle until entry in a vein is detected using a second set of one or more sensors.