Fluid Control System with Inline Flow Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous infusion methods lack precise control over flow rates, flexibility in fluid volumes, and electronic recording capabilities, often relying on human observation or complex and costly positive displacement pumps, which can lead to safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based infusion platform using a fluid pathway assembly with closed-loop quasi-static pressure adjustment and a low-pressure pneumatic pump, combined with wireless communication for device software updates and alarm broadcasting, allowing for precise control and electronic recording of infusion data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positive displacement pumps are used to control flow rate, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positive displacement pumps with a simpler system using a mechanical occluder that adjusts flow resistance by occluding the fluid pathway. This substitution maintains flow control capability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a balloon occluder inflated with fluid or gas to control flow rate. By using pneumatic/hydraulic principles to create variable resistance through balloon inflation, the system achieves precise flow control without complex mechanical pumping mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If positive displacement pumps are used to control flow rate, then flow control precision is improved, but financial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive positive displacement pumps with a cost-effective mechanical occluder system that uses simple components like balloons and tubing to achieve flow control, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable components such as balloons and tubing in the flow control system. These inexpensive, single-use parts replace expensive durable pumps, reducing both initial cost and maintenance expenses.
3Reliability
If flow stop mechanisms are incorporated to prevent runaway infusion, then patient safety is improved, but flow continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable mechanical occluder that can be continuously adjusted to modulate flow rate rather than simply stopping flow. This dynamic control allows the system to respond to safety conditions by reducing flow gradually while maintaining system readiness, balancing safety with flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor infusion conditions and automatically adjust the mechanical occluder position. When safety thresholds are approached, the system provides feedback to reduce flow rate, creating a continuous safety loop that maintains both patient safety and flow continuity.
4Reliability
If air detection systems are incorporated to prevent air infusion, then patient safety is improved, but nuisance alarms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary air removal actions through the mechanical occluder system that can trap and hold air pockets before they reach the patient. By addressing air issues proactively rather than reactively, the system reduces false alarms while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback-based air detection that distinguishes between genuine air infusion hazards and benign air pockets. The system provides intelligent feedback to differentiate true alarms from nuisance conditions, reducing operator inefficiency while maintaining high patient safety standards.
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
This solution provides accurate and flexible control over intravenous fluid flow, reduces the risk of air infusion and nuisance alarms, and enhances patient safety and caregiver efficiency by enabling electronic data recording and communication.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector to detect a position of the flow element
Implementation Method 2
a light source array to illuminate a flow channel
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for controlled delivery of medicinal fluid includes a fluid pathway assembly. The fluid pathway assembly has an inline flow sensor element received within the fluid pathway movable in response to fluid flowing in the fluid pathway. A flow control device is removably attached to the fluid pathway assembly and has a sensor for sensing a position of the inline flow sensor element in the fluid pathway, the position of the inline flow sensor element being representative of a second calculated fluid flow rate. The fluid pathway assembly includes a variable flow resistor adjustable to regulate a rate of fluid flow in the fluid pathway assembly. A drive mechanism attached to the flow control device is operably coupled to the variable flow resistor when the flow control device is attached to the fluid pathway assembly.