Infusion Flow Regulator Dial Control for Accurate IV Drip Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion flow-rate regulating devices are cumbersome, difficult to miniaturize, and lack accurate flow rate control, often requiring trial and error for setting the target flow rate, which can lead to safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An infusion flow-rate regulating device with a drive motor, dial mounting unit, flow-rate regulator separation unit, and controller that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the flow-rate regulator, automatically adjusts the dial to the target flow rate, and includes a locking mechanism for secure attachment, with a controller that measures and corrects the flow rate based on drip chamber dynamics and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional infusion flow-rate regulating device with multiple operations is used, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the device structure becomes complicated and difficult to miniaturize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow-rate regulator attachment, dial rotation control, and flow rate measurement functions into a single integrated device. The flow-rate regulator is directly mounted on the device body, and the dial rotation unit is integrated with the flow-rate regulator structure, eliminating the need for separate covering operations and reducing overall device complexity while enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions using a unified structure: it controls flow rate through dial rotation, measures flow rate automatically using vibration sensors, and maintains flow regulation without requiring separate covering mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, simplifying the device structure and enabling compact design.
2Measurement precision
If trial and error method is used to control flow rate by observing IV drop rate, then no special device is needed, but accurate flow rate control at target flow rate cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the drip chamber during infusion. The controller processes this vibration signal to calculate the actual flow rate and compares it with the target flow rate. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the dial rotation to maintain the desired flow rate, eliminating the need for manual trial and error adjustment and achieving precise flow rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically measures and adjusts the flow rate without requiring continuous manual observation and adjustment by the operator. The vibration-based flow rate detection and automatic dial adjustment mechanisms enable the system to self-regulate the infusion flow rate, saving time and ensuring accurate delivery of the target flow rate.
3Reliability
If infusion pump with continuous power supply is used, then target flow rate can be achieved, but power consumption is high and safety issues occur when power is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous pumping action requiring constant power supply, the device uses periodic vibration detection to measure flow rate and periodic automatic dial adjustment to maintain target flow rate. This periodic operation mode significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous pump operation while maintaining infusion safety and reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an infusion flow-rate regulating device (100) enabling easy attachment and detachment of a flow-rate regulator (240) provided in an infusion set (200), and enabling automatic adjustment of a dial (242) of the attached flow-rate regulator (240) such that a liquid can be administered at a target flow rate. To this end, an infusion flow-rate regulating device (100) of the present invention comprises: a body (110); a dial mounting unit (130) rotatably connected to the body (110); a flow-rate regulator separation unit (140) preventing a flow-rate regulator (240), mounted on the dial mounting unit (130), from being arbitrarily separated; and a control unit (170) for controlling the flow-rate of a liquid by using a method for rotating a dial (242) for each drip infusion dripping time interval corresponding to a target flow rate and/or a method for rotating the dial (242) to a position enabling administration of the liquid at a target flow rate by means of a single flow-rate adjustment.