Elastomeric Pump Filling With Sensor Feedback and Sealed Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer devices in the medical field face challenges such as high cost, low efficiency, intensive labor demands, and excessive fluid or vapor leakage, particularly when transferring medical fluids.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid transfer system with a hose assembly, pump, destination sensor, and control system that operates based on sensor feedback to transfer precise amounts of fluid while minimizing exposure to ambient air, using components like positive displacement or peristaltic pumps and elastomeric portions to ensure efficient and sealed fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fluid transfer methods are used, then labor intensity is high and efficiency is low, but automation equipment is expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses destination sensors to automatically detect when the target container is full and stops fluid transfer without human intervention. The pump automatically primes and fills the elastomeric pump, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and intervention throughout the fluid transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
Destination sensors provide real-time feedback about the target container's fill status to the control system, which automatically adjusts or stops the pump operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated decision-making without complex human oversight.
2Reliability
If open fluid transfer systems are used, then equipment cost is lower, but fluid or vapor leakage is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an elastomeric pump with flexible walls that can be compressed and expanded. The elastomeric material forms a sealed containment structure that prevents fluid or vapor leakage while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design without requiring multiple rigid sealed components.
3Loss of substance
If precise fluid transfer is implemented, then fluid waste is reduced, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump automatically primes itself by drawing fluid through the filter and into the elastomeric pump chamber without external assistance. This self-priming mechanism eliminates the need for complex external priming systems while ensuring precise fluid transfer from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement and control mechanisms with electronic sensors and control systems. Destination sensors electronically detect container fill levels and automatically control the pump, providing precise measurement without complex mechanical gauges or indicators.
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 enables precise and efficient transfer of medical fluids, reducing waste and the need for expensive equipment by minimizing exposure to ambient air and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to transfer fluid through the hose assembly... such as positive displacement or peristaltic pumps
Implementation Method 2
An elastomeric portion can be disposed between the proximal end and the distal end... using components like positive displacement or peristaltic pumps and elastomeric portions
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.