Flow Sensor Connection Assembly for Automated IV Bolus Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce medication errors during intravenous bolus delivery by providing an automated record of medication, concentration, volume, and time of injection, while also alerting healthcare professionals of inconsistencies with a patient's medical record.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system comprising a single-use flow sensor and a reusable base unit that attach to an injection site, featuring a flow sensor with piezo elements and a base with a controller and transmitter to wirelessly send alerts and data, ensuring accurate and recorded medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual IV injection monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of medication delivery are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separable components: a disposable flow sensor component and a reusable base unit. This segmentation allows the complex measurement functions to be concentrated in the reusable base while keeping the disposable component simple, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor acts as an intermediary between the IV fluid delivery system and the monitoring system. It includes a flow tube with piezoelectric sensors that detect fluid flow characteristics and convert them into electrical signals for processing, enabling precise measurement without direct complex electronics in the disposable portion.
2Reliability
If automated monitoring and documentation systems are implemented, then reliability and measurement precision improve, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors fluid flow, measures delivery parameters, and documents medication administration without requiring manual intervention. The flow sensor continuously detects flow characteristics and the base unit automatically records and transmits data, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through automatic monitoring of fluid delivery parameters and generates alerts when inconsistencies are detected. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by ensuring accurate documentation while simplifying operation through automated detection and notification systems.
3Extent of automation
If a reusable base unit with electronic components is used, then measurement precision and automation improve, but loss of substance and manufacturing precision challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the system into disposable and reusable components separates manufacturing complexities. The reusable base unit with electronic components can be manufactured with high precision once and reused, while the disposable flow sensor can be manufactured more simply and replaced, resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor is designed as a disposable component that can be manufactured cost-effectively and replaced after use. This eliminates the need for high-precision manufacturing of electronic components in the disposable portion, while the reusable base unit benefits from economies of scale in manufacturing.
4Loss of information
If real-time monitoring and alert systems are implemented, then reliability and information completeness improve, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor continuously monitors fluid delivery in real-time, ensuring no information is lost about medication administration. The continuous flow detection through piezoelectric sensors provides uninterrupted data streams for complete documentation while energy consumption is managed through efficient sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor serves as an intermediary that converts physical fluid flow into electrical signals for processing and transmission. This intermediary function enables complete information capture with minimal energy consumption by using passive piezoelectric detection rather than active pumping or heating mechanisms.
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 reduces medication errors by providing real-time monitoring and automatic documentation of bolus delivery, alerting healthcare professionals to potential inconsistencies, thus enhancing patient safety and record-keeping accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The flow sensor includes piezo elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a flow sensor contained within a flow sensor housing, a base, and a seal. The base houses a controller that generates at least one operation modification signal, and the flow sensor is separable from and mountable onto the base. A bottom surface of the flow sensor housing includes the seal. The seal forms a liquid-tight engagement between the flow sensor housing and the base when the flow sensor is mounted onto the base.