Optical Drip Chamber Monitoring With Remote Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid flow monitoring and regulation systems lack precision and adaptability, particularly in settings where infusion pumps are not available, and existing solutions do not effectively manage fluid flow rates in real-time or remotely.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical sensor-based flow meter and a remotely controllable valve that can be used standalone or with a pump, capable of monitoring fluid flow rates and parameters, issuing alarms, and adjusting flow to maintain predetermined ranges, integrated with a feedback mechanism for real-time regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infusion pump is used to deliver fluid into a patient, then the flow rate precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infusion pumps with a simpler system consisting of a fluid reservoir, gravity-fed delivery line, and electronically controlled valve. The flow control function previously requiring mechanical pump mechanisms is achieved through an electronically actuated valve that can be precisely controlled via electrical signals, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining flow rate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a unified platform that can operate in both pump-dependent and pump-independent modes. The same valve and sensor system can work with manual gravity-fed delivery or integrate with various types of infusion pumps, making the solution universally applicable across different clinical scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each mode.
2Device complexity
If a manually actuated valve with drip chamber is used to adjust fluid flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow rate control accuracy and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical sensors that continuously monitor fluid flow by detecting light transmission changes as fluid passes through the drip chamber. This real-time feedback is processed by a microcontroller that automatically adjusts the electronically actuated valve to maintain the desired flow rate, providing precise control without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual valve adjustment mechanism is replaced with an electronically actuated valve controlled by electrical signals from a microcontroller. This substitution enables automated flow rate control based on sensor feedback, improving precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and avoiding complex mechanical transmission systems.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors and feedback mechanisms are added to monitor and regulate fluid flow, then the flow rate control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensors that detect fluid flow through light transmission changes, replacing complex mechanical flow measurement devices. The optical detection system consists of simple light sources and photodetectors that can be integrated into the existing drip chamber structure, providing accurate flow monitoring without adding significant mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the flow monitoring function with the existing drip chamber structure by integrating optical sensors directly into the chamber walls or mounting them in close proximity. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external monitoring devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote control capability is implemented for fluid delivery systems, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate in multiple modes: it can function as a standalone gravity-fed delivery system with local control, or it can integrate with infusion pumps and remote monitoring systems. The valve and sensor architecture remains the same regardless of the operating mode, allowing the system to adapt to different clinical environments without requiring separate communication 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
Enables precise and adaptive fluid flow management in medical applications, ensuring accurate and safe infusion therapies by providing real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities, even in environments without traditional infusion pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor-based flow meter... monitoring fluid flow rates
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a system for controlling fluid flow comprising: a drip chamber holster configured to receive and secure a drip chamber; an imaging device configured to capture images of the drip chamber thereby creating image data; a light emitting device configured to emit at least at least one pattern of light onto the drip chamber and into the field of view of the imaging device; a flexible tube defining a lumen operatively connected to the drip chamber, the lumen in fluid communication with the drip chamber; and a valve axially disposed around a portion of the flexible tube to control flow through the drip chamber. The valve comprises: a first clamshell portion and a second clamshell portion pivotally connected together to complementarily align to form an enclosure when in a closed position, wherein the enclosure defines an inlet hole and an outlet hole when closed, wherein the first clamshell portion defines a plunger hole; a male latch component coupled to the second housing component opposite the pivot connection; a female latch component operatively coupled to the first housing component opposite the pivot connection; a substantially incompressible filler enclosed within the casing; a plunger; and an actuator. The filler comprises: a conduit, defined within the filler, sized for a specific tube. The conduit connects the inlet hole and outlet hole of the valve casing; and a plurality of variations of stiffness in the filler. The plunger is longitudinally aligned with the plunger hole. The actuator is operatively connected to the plunger, to urge the plunger through the plunger aperture thereby engaging the filler and ultimately deform the tube.