Handheld Control Device for Fluid Delivery Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for fluid supply in medical procedures, such as angiography, lack precise digital control over flow rates and are not easily adaptable for disposable use, leading to limitations in operator control and safety during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held control device with an ergonomic design that uses an electronic substrate with a conductive pattern to provide discrete flow rate control, allowing operators to select and transmit digital values to a fluid delivery system, enabling precise control of contrast media and saline flow rates, and is designed for disposability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual contrast media injection mechanisms are used with syringe and catheter connection, then the user can adjust injection rate and volume by altering manual actuation force, but the control precision and reproducibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an automated linear actuator that has a digitally controllable motor. This substitution allows precise electronic control of the plunger position and injection rate, eliminating the imprecision of manual force application while maintaining ease of operation through electronic interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable flow rate control by changing the operational parameters of the motor-driven actuator. The system allows dynamic adjustment of injection rate and volume parameters through electronic control, enabling precise flow rate modulation that was not achievable with fixed mechanical systems.
2Extent of automation
If automatic contrast media injection mechanisms with fixed parameters are used, then the injection process is automated, but the operator cannot interactively control flow rate variations without stopping and resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-parameter injection system into a dynamic system where the motor actuator can be continuously controlled during operation. The electronic control system allows real-time adjustments to flow rate and volume parameters without requiring system shutdown or reset, providing both automation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional injection system that combines automated injection with interactive control capabilities. The single device can operate in both fixed-parameter automated mode and variable-parameter interactive mode, making it adaptable to different procedural requirements without requiring separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If complex software and hardware interfaces are added to automatic injection mechanisms for variable flow rate control, then operator control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple control functions into a single unified interface system. The control device can handle both fixed flow rate and variable flow rate modes, as well as control for different fluid types (contrast media and flushing agents), through a consistent user interface, reducing the need for separate complex subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
The control device is used to control delivery of fluid from a fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector adapted to actuate a syringe used to deliver the injection fluid to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluid delivered to the patient. The control device includes a housing and an actuator associated with the housing. An electronic substrate is disposed within the housing and comprises a conductive pattern. The actuator is adapted for operative association with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluid to be delivered by the injector, such that when the actuator is actuated the actuator operatively associates with the conductive pattern for transmitting the digital values to the injector.