Dual Pump Aspiration System with Flow and Vacuum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical aspiration systems either operate in vacuum-controlled or flow-controlled modes, but not both simultaneously, leading to limitations such as lack of flow information, slow response times, and instability in control loops during ophthalmic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A dual pump aspiration system with both vacuum level and flow rate control loops, allowing operation in either vacuum priority or flow rate priority modes, utilizing a combination of vacuum and flow pumps with sensors and control circuitry to manage fluid flow and pressure dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If vacuum controlled aspiration systems are used, then quick response times and good fluidic performance are achieved, but flow information is not available and occlusion detection is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a flow sensor to measure actual aspiration flow rate and provide real-time feedback to the controller. This enables the system to maintain vacuum control while gaining flow information, resolving the contradiction between quick response and information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single vacuum controlled platform by adding flow sensing capability and occlusion detection. The vacuum pump system is made multi-functional by incorporating flow measurement and control features, allowing it to provide both quick response and flow information simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flow controlled aspiration systems are used, then stable flow rates are achieved, but response times are slow and control loop instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the system to switch between vacuum controlled and flow controlled modes based on surgical conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts operating parameters and can transition between control strategies to optimize both stability and response time according to real-time needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters dynamically by adjusting vacuum levels, flow rates, and control mode based on surgical conditions. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time to achieve both stable flow rates and quick response when needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and speed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If peristaltic pumps are used in flow controlled systems, then stable flow rates are achieved, but pump pulsations are produced that can be manifested at the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pulsation problem by using a different pump type (vacuum pump with flow control) that does not generate pulsations. The peristaltic pump's harmful pulsation characteristic is removed from the system while maintaining flow control capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump system with a vacuum pump system that uses electronic flow control. This substitution eliminates the mechanical pulsations generated by peristaltic action while maintaining stable flow rates through electronic regulation.
4Device complexity
If a single pump system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot operate in both vacuum controlled and flow controlled modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single pump system multi-functional by integrating flow control capability into the vacuum pump system. The same pump can operate in both vacuum controlled mode and flow controlled mode, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic versatility by allowing the single pump to switch between different operating modes (vacuum controlled and flow controlled) based on surgical conditions. The controller dynamically adjusts operating parameters to enable both modes of operation with a single pump device.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual pump aspiration system having both a vacuum level control loop and a flow rate control loop. The system can be operated either as a vacuum priority system or a flow rate priority system.