Image-Guided IV Flow Control Valve for Precise Gravity Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow monitoring and regulation systems in medical settings, such as IV therapy, lack precision and reliability, particularly in environments where infusion pumps are not available, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid delivery rates.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid flow meter and valve configuration, where an image sensor monitors the drip chamber and adjusts the valve actuator to maintain a target flow rate through a closed-loop feedback mechanism, utilizing a processor to control the actuator and ensure accurate fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gravity-fed line with manual valve is used for fluid delivery, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the flow rate control precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where an image sensor continuously monitors the drip chamber to detect actual flow rate, and this information is fed back to an actuator that automatically adjusts the valve position to maintain the target flow rate, thereby achieving precise flow control while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical valve adjustment system with an automated electro-mechanical system where an actuator (motor-driven mechanism) automatically adjusts the valve based on image sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual counting and manual adjustment while maintaining system simplicity
2Measurement precision
If an infusion pump is used to ensure strict adherence to flow rate, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the system cannot be used in all situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid delivery system into separate functional modules: a gravity-fed reservoir, a drip chamber for visualization, an image sensor for monitoring, and an actuator for valve control. This segmentation allows the system to achieve pump-level precision without requiring a complete pump system, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image sensor as an intermediary device that optically monitors the drip chamber to indirectly measure flow rate, and an actuator as an intermediary that indirectly controls valve position. This intermediary approach enables precise control without direct mechanical contact or complex pump mechanisms
3Device complexity
If manual counting of drops is used to calculate flow rate, then the system requires minimal equipment, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service automation where the image sensor automatically captures images of the drip chamber, the processor automatically analyzes the images to count drops and calculate flow rate, and the actuator automatically adjusts the valve - all without requiring manual intervention for counting or calculation, thus maintaining minimal equipment while achieving high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual human counting process with an automated optical measurement system using an image sensor and image processing algorithm, substituting human visual inspection and manual calculation with machine-based optical detection and automated computation for superior precision
4Ease of operation
If a simple manual valve is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to prevent free flow conditions and ensure accurate delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors actual flow rate via image sensor and automatically adjusts the valve to maintain target flow rate, preventing free flow conditions where the actual flow deviates from the intended flow, thereby ensuring reliable and accurate fluid delivery while requiring minimal user intervention
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.