Connector Valve Sensor for Injection Timing Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the start and end time of an injection in indicator dilution techniques, such as thermodilution, face challenges in precision, making it difficult to accurately calculate cardiac output and other hemodynamic parameters.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly and system that includes a connector with a valve assembly and sensors to detect the open or closed state, allowing for precise determination of the injection start and end times by generating signals used by a processor to calculate these times, thereby improving the accuracy of cardiac output measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional indicator dilution techniques are used to determine injection start and end times, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection timing precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A valve assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the injection device and the indicator dilution system. The valve assembly includes a sensor that detects valve position changes, providing precise timing signals for injection start and end times without requiring complex modifications to the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or less precise mechanical timing methods with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects the mechanical state of the valve assembly (open/closed positions) and converts it into electrical signals that provide precise timing information for the injection procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a sensor assembly with valve assembly is added to detect injection timing, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection timing precisionVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is merged with the valve assembly to form an integrated connector component. This combination allows the timing detection functionality to be incorporated into an existing structural element rather than adding a separate, standalone sensing system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow during injection and simultaneously acts as a sensing element for timing detection. The same mechanical structure that regulates flow also provides the timing signal through its position-dependent electrical connection, eliminating the need for dedicated sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9180260B2Systems and methods for monitoring an injection procedure

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An indicator dilution system includes a catheter configured to deliver an indicator to a patient, an injection device configured to deliver the indicator to the catheter, and a connector coupling the injection device to the catheter. The system also includes one or more sensors configured to acquire measurements from components of the system, which may be used to determine the start and end time of the injection of the indicator to the patient. For example, the one or more sensors may be configured to acquire signals relating to a state of the connector, which may be used to determine whether the connector is in an open state to enable flow of the indicator or in a closed state to reduce flow of the indicator.