Infusion Line Air Detection Without ADC Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converters in infusion systems can become over-saturated when operating at resonant frequencies, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in detecting air in fluid delivery lines, which can result in errors and alarms.
Innovation Solution
The system operates sensors at a modified frequency different from their resonant frequency to reduce the amplitude of the output signal below the saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter, preventing over-saturation and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency to maximize signal output, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the analog-to-digital converter becomes over-saturated reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the sensor from the resonant frequency to a non-resonant frequency. This parameter change reduces the signal amplitude to a level that the analog-to-digital converter can process without over-saturation, while still maintaining sufficient detection capability to distinguish air from fluid in the infusion line.
2Power
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency, then signal amplitude is maximized for better detection, but over-saturation occurs causing errors and alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The operating frequency parameter is changed from resonant to non-resonant, which directly controls the signal amplitude output. This adjustment ensures the signal remains within the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter, preventing over-saturation errors and false alarms while maintaining reliable air detection functionality.
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 approach enhances the reliability and accuracy of air detection in infusion systems by avoiding signal over-saturation, reducing errors, and ensuring accurate determination of air presence in fluid delivery lines.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor is disposed adjacent to the fluid delivery line and configured to transmit and receive a signal to detect whether there is air in the fluid delivery line... The programming code is configured to operate the at least one sensor at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor
Data Source
AI summary
To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal.