Differential Pressure Flow Sensor for Medication Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for medication delivery lack accurate and reliable methods to verify the correct administration of medications, particularly in single bolus doses, due to human error in recording and monitoring fluid flow rates and volumes, which can lead to overdoses or underdoses.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure based flow sensor assembly with a disposable and reusable portion, featuring upstream and downstream fluid pressure sensors, calculates fluid flow rates by measuring pressure differences across a flow restricting element, integrated into the medication delivery system to accurately monitor and record medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual recording methods are used for medication delivery, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of medication dosing monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording methods with an automated differential pressure sensing system. Pressure sensors measure the pressure difference across a flow restrictor, and this electrical signal is processed to calculate flow rate, eliminating human error in recording and providing precise, continuous monitoring of fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-recording of medication delivery parameters. The differential pressure sensor automatically detects flow rate and volume without requiring manual intervention, and the data is stored in the system memory, allowing the system to serve its own monitoring function.
2Measurement precision
If differential pressure sensors are added to monitor fluid flow, then measurement precision of flow rate improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a disposable portion containing the flow restrictor and pressure sensing elements, and a reusable portion containing the signal processing electronics. This segmentation allows the complex sensing mechanism to be modular, with the disposable portion containing the critical measurement elements and the reusable portion handling processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable sensor assembly that is inexpensive and single-use. The disposable portion contains the flow restrictor and pressure sensors, which are discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex calibration and maintenance of the measurement system while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If flow restricting element is added to create measurable pressure difference, then measurement precision of flow rate improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor is integrated into a disposable sensor assembly that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the flow restrictor geometry, as the component is replaced rather than repaired or recalibrated, while still providing sufficient precision for accurate flow rate measurement during its service life.
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 provides accurate and reliable monitoring of fluid flow rates and volumes, reducing human error in medication administration, ensuring precise dosing and comprehensive patient records.
Implementation Method 1
calculates fluid flow rates by measuring pressure differences across a flow restricting element
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure based flow sensor assembly and method of using the same to determine the rate of fluid flow in a fluid system. The sensor assembly comprises a disposable portion and a reusable portion. A flow restricting element is positioned along a fluid flow passage between an inlet and an outlet. The disposable portion further has an upstream fluid pressure membrane and a downstream fluid pressure membrane. The reusable portion has an upstream fluid pressure sensor and a downstream fluid pressure sensor. The upstream fluid pressure sensor senses the upstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the flow restricting element. The downstream fluid pressure sensor senses the downstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the flow restricting element and the outlet. The process utilizes output of the sensors to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.