Fluid Analyzer Obstruction Detection Through Calibration Response Slopes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid analyzers face challenges in detecting and removing obstructions such as blood clots without additional sensors, which can block pathways, cause downtime, and affect sensor response, leading to biased results.
Innovation Solution
A fluid analyzer system that uses a calibration fluid injection mechanism with a control system to detect obstructions by analyzing response slope variations between calibration fluids, alerting users, and performing fluid aspiration or drainage as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensors are added to detect obstructions, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing sensor to detect obstructions by analyzing changes in its own response characteristics. The sensor serves dual purposes: its primary measurement function and its own diagnostic function, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the sensor's response characteristics and compares them against baseline values. When deviations indicate obstruction presence, the system triggers diagnostic modes and alerts, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism for obstruction detection.
2Measurement precision
If obstruction detection is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the sensor's response properties during calibration and initial operation. These baseline parameters are stored and used for rapid comparison during subsequent measurements, enabling quick obstruction detection without time-consuming analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial diagnostic actions by monitoring only specific response parameters that are most indicative of obstruction conditions. This selective monitoring approach provides sufficient detection capability without requiring comprehensive analysis of all possible sensor characteristics.
3Productivity
If the analyzer remains operational during obstruction detection, then productivity is maintained, but measurement reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis process is segmented into normal measurement mode and diagnostic mode. During normal operation, the sensor performs its primary function. When obstruction is detected, the system transitions to diagnostic mode where the same sensor performs characterization measurements to confirm and locate the obstruction, separating the two functional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time sensor performance. It can switch between normal analysis mode and diagnostic mode, and potentially between multiple diagnostic modes, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational conditions and maintaining productivity where possible.
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
Effectively detects and removes obstructions without additional sensors, ensuring accurate sensor response and reducing downtime by using a calibration fluid-based obstruction detection algorithm.
Implementation Method 1
The basic principle of operation for blood gas analyzers has not changed significantly from earlier units. In about 2005, self-contained cartridges were introduced into several analytical systems, paving the way for point of care testing and compact units.
Implementation Method 2
Electrolytes are determined by potentiometric measurements, a form of electrochemical analysis. In potentiometry, the potential or voltage is measured between the two electrodes in a solution.
Implementation Method 3
Ion-selective electrodes are based on a modification of the principle of potentiometry. The potential difference or electron flow is created by selectively transferring the ion to be measured from the sample solution to the membrane phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting an obstruction on a sensor of a fluid analyzer, including a method comprising causing a first calibration fluid to contact the sensor to generate signals indicative of a first electric potential of the first calibration fluid; causing a second calibration fluid to contact the sensor to generate signals indicative of a second electric potential of the second calibration fluid; storing a first response slope; causing the first calibration fluid to contact the sensor to generate signals indicative of a third electric potential of the first calibration fluid; causing the second calibration fluid to contact the sensor to generate signals indicative of a fourth electric potential of the second calibration fluid; storing a second response slope; and storing data indicative of an obstruction on the sensor in response to a difference between the first response slope and the second response slope being beyond a threshold.