Flow Meter Valve With Optical Feedback for Precise IV Drip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems in medical settings often lack precise control over fluid flow rates, particularly in situations where infusion pumps are not available, leading to inaccuracies and the need for manual adjustments, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter system with optical sensors and a valve mechanism that can monitor, regulate, and control fluid flow using image sensors to measure drop parameters, providing feedback and alarms, and can be remotely controlled to ensure accurate flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are used to control fluid flow rates, then the system is simpler and does not require additional components, but the flow rate control precision deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system comprising optical sensors (image sensors) that detect fluid flow characteristics, a processor that analyzes the captured images to determine flow rate, and a valve mechanism that automatically adjusts based on the processed data. This substitution of mechanical manual control with an automated sensing-processing-actuating system directly resolves the contradiction by providing precise flow rate control without requiring continuous manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic flow rate regulation where the flow meter and valve work together to maintain desired flow rates without external intervention. The processor continuously monitors fluid flow via image sensors and autonomously adjusts the valve position based on detected deviations, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain precision without requiring additional manual adjustments or complex external control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If infusion pumps are used to control fluid flow, then flow rate precision is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid control function into two independent components: a flow meter system (comprising image sensors, processor, and valve) that provides precise measurement and control, and the existing infusion pump or gravity-based delivery system. This segmentation allows the precision control function to be added without requiring a complete replacement of the infusion pump, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flow rate precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter system with automatic valve control is designed as a universal device that can be integrated with various fluid delivery systems including infusion pumps, gravity-based delivery, and other administration sets. The system's ability to work with multiple delivery mechanisms without requiring system-specific customization reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise flow rate control across different applications.
3Reliability
If manual monitoring of fluid flow is performed, then the system is simpler, but the reliability and safety deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where image sensors capture real-time fluid flow characteristics, the processor analyzes the images to detect flow rate deviations, and the system responds by automatically adjusting the valve or triggering alarms. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates human error in monitoring while providing reliable, continuous oversight of fluid delivery, directly addressing the reliability-safety concern without requiring complex manual monitoring procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If automatic flow regulation is implemented, then flow rate consistency is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional controls
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic flow regulation system operates autonomously once initialized, continuously monitoring fluid flow and self-adjusting via the valve mechanism without requiring ongoing user intervention. This self-service capability maintains consistent flow rates while actually simplifying operation, as the system handles all adjustments automatically without requiring users to understand or manipulate additional controls during operation.
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 monitoring and control of fluid flow rates, reducing errors and enhancing safety by automatically adjusting flow rates and issuing alarms when deviations occur, thus ensuring consistent delivery.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical sensors (e.g., using an image sensor to monitor drops within a drip chamber)
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control apparatus includes a body, a door, a drip chamber holster, and a valve. The door is pivotally coupled to the body. The drip chamber holster is coupled to one of the body or the door to retain a drip chamber. The valve is disposed within the body and is configured to receive a fluid line coupled to the drip chamber when the door is in an open position. The valve is operatively coupled to the door to secure the fluid line within the valve when the door is in a closed position.