Infusion Device Force Control for Syringe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion devices for administering anticoagulants in extracorporeal blood treatments rely on visual inspection for correct positioning, which is prone to operator error and complicates the setup process, leading to potential clot formation due to incorrect contact between the syringe plunger and the actuator.
Innovation Solution
A control process that monitors the infusion force using a force sensor and sends command signals to ensure stable contact between the syringe plunger and the actuator, including a block signal followed by a restart signal after a predefined time, to verify correct positioning and prevent accidental or erroneous signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used to verify correct positioning of the syringe plunger and actuator, then the setup process becomes simpler, but operator error risk increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated force sensing system. A force sensor detects when the actuator makes contact with the syringe plunger by measuring the applied force, automatically verifying correct positioning without requiring operator visual checks. This substitution eliminates operator error while maintaining ease of operation through automatic detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the force between the actuator and syringe plunger. When the force sensor detects that the actuator has made proper contact with the plunger (indicating correct positioning), the system receives feedback and can proceed with the infusion process. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable positioning verification while simplifying the operator's task.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pusher advancement rate is kept slow to ensure precise control, then infusion accuracy improves, but the time delay for detecting positioning errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the force sensor continuously monitor the contact between actuator and plunger before the infusion actually begins. The system detects positioning correctness in advance during the positioning phase, so that any errors are identified before slow infusion starts. This preliminary detection prevents time delays during the actual infusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensing system replaces manual visual checking with automated mechanical detection. The force sensor immediately detects when the actuator contacts the plunger, providing real-time feedback on positioning accuracy without the time delays associated with manual inspection methods. This automated detection works independently of the slow advancement rate.
3Device complexity
If manual verification of pusher-plunger contact is required, then device complexity decreases, but the risk of incorrect operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual verification with an automated force sensing system. The force sensor electronically detects contact between the actuator and syringe plunger, replacing the need for manual visual inspection. This adds minimal complexity to the device while dramatically improving operational safety by eliminating human error in the verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification through the force sensor that automatically detects when correct positioning has been achieved. The device monitors its own state without requiring external manual checking, improving reliability while adding only minimal automated control complexity. The force sensor serves the dual purpose of both detection and verification.
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 method ensures reliable and safe initiation of anticoagulant infusion, reducing the risk of clot formation and simplifying the setup process by automatically verifying correct positioning and preventing errors.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a force which is indicative of a contact between an actuator of the infusion device and a mobile part of the syringe
Data Source
AI summary
A process comprises the phases of: activating a pusher, which exerts a push force on a plunger of a syringe containing the infusion liquid; measuring the push force by means of a load cell; comparing the push force with a maximum threshold; halting the pusher when the maximum threshold is exceeded; after a predetermined pause, restarting the pusher and emitting a consent signal indicating correct loading of the syringe if, within a certain time from the restart, the push force again exceeds the maximum threshold. The infusion device serves to inject an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit. The control process guarantees against loss of infusion due to an incorrect initial loading of the syringe.