Infusion Drip Counter with Universal Nest and Adjustable Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art drip counters are limited in their versatility and compatibility with different types of infusion tubing, leading to increased operating costs and user confusion, as they require specific tubing models and are not suitable for various infusion liquid chambers.
Innovation Solution
A drip counter device with a modular design that accommodates various infusion liquid chamber types, featuring a latch system with flexible positioning structures and optical measurement components, allowing for easy installation and use across different chamber configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drip counter is designed with a fixed structure for a specific infusion tubing type, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability to different infusion tubing types is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device frame is designed with a universal nest structure that can accommodate multiple types of infusion liquid chambers. The positioning structures (positioning grooves and positioning protrusions) are configured to work with different chamber designs, allowing a single device to support various infusion tubing types without requiring separate dedicated devices for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a flexible positioning capability through its adjustable positioning structures. The latch can adapt its positioning protrusions to match different chamber configurations, enabling the same latch structure to securely hold various chamber types through dynamic adjustment rather than requiring multiple fixed latch designs.
2Reliability
If multiple sets of drip tubing are maintained for different counter models, then each counter can be optimized for its specific tubing type, but the operating cost increases due to purchasing and managing separate tubing sets
Solution Approach 1:
The nest structure with standardized positioning grooves and protrusions creates a universal interface that works across different infusion chamber types. This allows nursing institutions to use a single set of tubing with multiple counter models, eliminating the need to purchase and manage separate tubing sets for each counter type while maintaining reliable compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different nursing institutions use different drip counter models with specific tubing requirements, then each institution can optimize for their specific needs, but user confusion increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structures (grooves and protrusions) are designed with homogeneous geometric features that create consistent alignment and insertion characteristics across all chamber types. This uniformity in the positioning interface provides users with a consistent operational experience regardless of which specific chamber type is being installed, reducing confusion and simplifying operation.
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
The device enhances versatility and reliability, reducing operating costs by supporting multiple infusion tubing types and simplifying user operations, while maintaining accurate drip counting and volume measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement of the drip quantity is carried out optically by, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) light source and a phototransistor as its pair
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a counter device for counting infusion liquid drips, the device comprising a frame (F) which has a nest (N) for a separate infusion liquid chamber, and a latch (H, HA) which is arranged to close or otherwise confine the nest (N) to keep the infusion liquid chamber in the nest (N), and the device frame (F) further comprising a positioning groove as a positioning structure (GR) for supporting the infusion liquid chamber, and the device also comprising a measuring structure (TX, RX, MCU) to detect the drips. For a different type of infusion liquid chamber, the frame of the infusion device comprises a second positioning structure which is arranged to prevent the rising movement of the in¬ fusion liquid chamber to the placed in the nest, in the vertical direction (PS2, PS22) of the frame (F). The second positioning structure (PS2, PS22) is at a distance from the positioning structure GR of the positioning groove type, being located at a different height in relation to the vertical direction of the frame (F) than the positioning structure GR of the positioning groove type.