Drip Chamber Flow Meter With Optical Feedback Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid delivery systems, such as those used in intravenous infusion therapy, often lack precise control over fluid flow rates, especially in settings where traditional infusion pumps are not available or suitable, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid administration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow meter and valve configuration that uses optical sensors to monitor and regulate fluid flow, allowing for real-time adjustments and feedback to ensure accurate fluid delivery, which can be remotely controlled and integrated with electronic devices for enhanced precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional infusion pumps are used to control fluid flow, then flow rate precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infusion pumps with a simpler system comprising an occluder (mechanical component), optical sensors (optical detection), and a controller (electronic system). The optical sensors detect fluid flow characteristics and provide feedback to the controller, which adjusts the occluder position to maintain precise flow rates without requiring complex pump mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor fluid flow parameters and transmit this information to the controller. The controller processes the sensor data and adjusts the occluder accordingly to maintain the desired flow rate, enabling precise control through a simple yet effective closed-loop system.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors and feedback control are added to monitor and regulate fluid flow, then flow rate precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-regulation of fluid flow by using optical sensors to automatically detect flow conditions and the controller to adjust the occluder based on this detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for constant manual intervention or complex mechanical pump systems, achieving precise control through automated feedback while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensors serve as intermediaries between the fluid flow and the control system. These sensors detect flow characteristics without directly interfering with the flow itself, translating physical flow parameters into electrical signals that the controller can process. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement and control while keeping the system architecture simple and modular.
3Device complexity
If manual valve adjustment is used to control fluid flow, then device simplicity is maintained, but flow rate precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manual valve adjustment to dynamic automated control. The occluder position is continuously adjusted by the controller based on real-time feedback from optical sensors, enabling the system to adapt to changing flow conditions and maintain precise flow rates automatically, unlike fixed manual settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The implementation of optical sensors and feedback control transforms the simple manual valve system into a precision control system. The sensors provide continuous information about actual flow rates to the controller, which makes real-time adjustments to the occluder position, ensuring accurate flow delivery without requiring complex mechanical pump infrastructure.
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 precise control over fluid flow rates, reducing errors and ensuring consistent delivery, even in environments without traditional infusion pumps, thereby improving patient care and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow are provided
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter, and related system and method are provided. The flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, a valve, and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is operatively coupled to the coupler. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive image data therefrom and to the actuator to actuate the valve. The one or more processors are configured to estimate a flow of fluid through the drip chamber and to actuate the valve to control the flow of fluid through the drip chamber to achieve a target flow rate.