Flow Control Apparatus Re-certification via Sensor-Triggered Self-Test
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow control apparatuses for delivering fluids to patients lack an effective re-certification procedure to verify that components are functioning within a predetermined operational range, which is crucial for ensuring safe and reliable medication or nutrition delivery.
Innovation Solution
A flow control apparatus equipped with a sensor and a software subsystem that initiates a re-certification procedure upon loading a re-certification feeding set, performing both manual and automatic tests to verify the functionality of components such as the user interface, sensor, rotor, valve mechanism, and motor, ensuring they operate within specified parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow control apparatus is used to deliver fluid to a patient, then fluid delivery at a controlled rate is achieved, but there is no verification that components are functioning within a predetermined operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a re-certification procedure before actual fluid delivery to verify that components (sensor, valve mechanism, rotor, motor) are functioning within predetermined operational ranges. This preliminary verification ensures reliability is established before the critical task begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control apparatus automatically initiates and performs its own re-certification procedure using its integrated sensor and software subsystem, without requiring external verification equipment or manual inspection. The system self-verifies its component functionality.
2Reliability
If a re-certification procedure is implemented to verify component functionality, then reliability is improved, but the procedure adds complexity to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The re-certification procedure is integrated into the existing flow control apparatus by combining the sensor, software subsystem, and verification logic into a unified system. The sensor detects feeding set loading, the software subsystem coordinates the verification process, and all components work together as an integrated re-certification system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor and software subsystem serve multiple functions: detecting feeding set loading, initiating the re-certification procedure, verifying component functionality, and determining system readiness for fluid delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated verification components.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control apparatus adapted to load a re-certification feeding set is disclosed. The flow control apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing the loading of the re-certification feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a software subsystem in operative association with the sensor that includes a re-certification procedure for verifying that at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range. Also disclosed is a method for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.