Configurable Fluid Delivery System with Reversible Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid delivery systems are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple specialized devices for various procedures and recipients, leading to excess costs, space requirements, and prolonged development times, as well as limitations in accuracy, precision, and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A configurable fluid delivery system comprising a fluid delivery unit, a fluid actuator unit, and a control unit that allows for reversible mechanical and data communication, enabling the system to determine mechanical compatibility, communication integrity, and output configuration, and incorporating high crack pressure valves to minimize fluid wastage and improve delivery precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specialized fluid delivery devices are used for different procedures and recipients, then delivery precision and reliability for specific applications is improved, but device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fluid delivery system where a single base device can perform multiple specialized functions through interchangeable modules. The system includes a common control unit and reservoir that can work with different syringe types, catheter configurations, and delivery parameters tailored to specific procedures (e.g., chemotherapy, radiological contrast, gene therapy). This modular approach allows one device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining application-specific precision through software-configurable delivery parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system is divided into separable functional modules including a base unit with control system, interchangeable syringe holders, various catheter interfaces, and optional specialized attachments. This segmentation allows users to configure the system for different applications by selecting appropriate modules without requiring entirely different devices, thereby reducing the total number of devices needed while preserving specialized delivery capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized fluid delivery devices are maintained for different applications, then procedure-specific performance is optimized, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal platform with procedure-specific software configurations and interchangeable hardware modules. The control unit can be programmed with different delivery protocols for various procedures (chemotherapy, contrast imaging, gene therapy), and physical modules can be swapped to match specific application requirements. This eliminates the need to purchase and store multiple complete device systems, reducing both financial cost and physical space requirements while maintaining optimized performance for each procedure type.
3Ease of operation
If traditional fluid delivery systems are used without compatibility checking, then device assembly is simple, but mechanical compatibility issues and communication errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic compatibility verification through sensors and communication protocols that detect the type of syringe, catheter, and other attached components. When modules are connected, the control unit queries their identification data and verifies compatibility before allowing operation. This feedback mechanism provides real-time confirmation of proper assembly and compatibility, preventing mechanical issues and communication errors while maintaining ease of use through automated validation rather than requiring manual verification by the operator.
4Device complexity
If fluid delivery systems lack intelligent configuration and monitoring, then system simplicity is maintained, but fluid wastage and delivery accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors fluid delivery parameters including volume delivered, pressure, flow rate, and system status. This feedback enables the system to detect and respond to abnormal conditions such as leaks, blockages, or incorrect module assembly, preventing fluid wastage by stopping delivery or alerting the operator. The system also tracks cumulative usage and can optimize delivery parameters to minimize waste while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device architecture through automated monitoring rather than complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable fluid delivery system and methods for its use are disclosed. The system may include one or more control units, fluid delivery units, fluid actuator units, and disposable units. Data sources and sensors on each of the delivery units, actuator units, and disposable units may provide data to the control unit, thereby identifying the components along with the manner in which they may be configured. The control unit may notify a user regarding the status of any one or more of the delivery, actuator, and disposable units to indicate their appropriateness for delivering a fluid according to one or more selected procedures and protocols. Also disclosed are methods by which the configurable fluid delivery system may provide data to a user to assist the user in assembling and testing a particular configuration of the fluid delivery system for a specific use.