Flow Rate Measurement Device for Cancer Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer treatment systems lack an accurate and efficient method to measure fluid flow rates during therapeutic procedures, making it difficult for clinicians to achieve precise delivery of therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate measurement device for cancer therapy, comprising a base receiver, a plunger holder, and a movement sensor, which engages with a fluid delivery device to detect and calculate the movement speed of the plunger holder, thereby determining the fluid flow rate and displaying it on a screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If no flow rate measurement device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of fluid flow rate is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with a sensor-based detection system. The movement sensor detects plunger holder displacement and the control circuit calculates flow rate electronically, substituting mechanical flow meters with a simpler sensor-circuit system that achieves precise measurement without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plunger holder as an intermediary component that connects the syringe plunger to the movement sensor. This intermediary translates plunger motion into detectable sensor signals, enabling indirect but accurate flow rate measurement without requiring direct contact with the fluid or complex in-line measurement devices.
2Reliability
If manual flow rate estimation is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of flow rate delivery is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring plunger holder movement through the movement sensor and displaying flow rate information on the display device. This feedback loop allows clinicians to observe actual flow rates and adjust delivery parameters accordingly, ensuring reliable and accurate therapeutic agent delivery while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If real-time flow rate measurement is implemented, then the productivity of treatment monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with a sensor-based detection system. The movement sensor detects plunger holder displacement and the control circuit calculates flow rate electronically, substituting mechanical flow meters with a simpler sensor-circuit system that achieves precise measurement without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional integration where the movement sensor serves both to detect plunger holder position and to enable flow rate calculation. The control circuit performs multiple functions including signal processing, flow rate calculation, and display control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
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 device enables accurate and real-time measurement of fluid flow rates, allowing clinicians to adjust the delivery parameters precisely, thereby improving the efficacy and safety of cancer treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The movement sensor can include a linear position sensor. The linear position sensor can include at least one selected from the group consisting of a linear encoder, an inductive position sensor, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), an ultrasonic position sensor, a laser position sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, a linear potentiometer, a magnetic linear position sensor, and a magnetostrictive linear position sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to flow rate measurement systems with features to indicate and/or measure flow rate therefrom. In an embodiment, a flow rate measurement device is included having a base receiver, a plunger holder, and a movement sensor. The base receiver is configured to engage with a barrel of a fluid delivery device. The plunger holder is configured to engage with a plunger of the fluid delivery device. The movement sensor is configured to detect a movement speed of the plunger holder relative to the base receiver. The flow rate measurement device can be configured to generate a signal related to the movement speed of the plunger holder relative to the base receiver. Other embodiments are also included herein.