Medical Infusion Device Leakage Detection via Odor Molecule Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical infusion devices struggle with convenient and accurate detection of liquid medicament leakage, often relying on cumbersome indicator papers or humidity sensors that can lead to false positives due to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A medical infusion device equipped with an electronic leakage determining module that includes an electronic probe capable of receiving odor and flavor molecules of the liquid medicament, paired with evaluation electronics to determine the presence of these molecules, thereby detecting leakage more accurately and conveniently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indicator paper or humidity sensor is used for leakage detection, then the device can detect leakage, but the detection becomes cumbersome and prone to false positives due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical indicator paper system with an electronic sensing system. The electronic probe detects leakage through electrical or optical signals rather than requiring manual visual inspection of color changes in indicator paper, thereby improving user convenience while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic probe as an intermediary between the leakage source and the user. This probe processes the leakage detection function electronically, filtering out environmental false positives and providing reliable leakage information without requiring direct user interaction with sensitive indicator materials.
2Reliability
If indicator paper is used for leakage detection, then leakage can be detected, but the system becomes unspecific to the type of liquid and prone to false indications from environmental humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from general liquid wetness detection (indicator paper color change) to specific molecular or electrical property detection. The electronic probe can be configured to detect specific electrical characteristics, conductivity, or molecular signatures of the liquid medicament, providing both high reliability and liquid-type specificity simultaneously.
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 solution provides a more reliable and user-friendly method for detecting liquid medicament leakage, reducing the risk of underdosing or overdosing, and minimizing false alarms caused by environmental humidity or water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic probe that is configured for receiving odor molecules and/or flavor molecules of the liquid medicament
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a medical infusion device having a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament, a cannula assembly, a fluid line, a drive mechanism, a dispensing member for dispensing medicament from reservoir through the fluid line and the cannula assembly, and a leakage determining module. For a more convenient determination of leakage of liquid medicament, the leakage determining module includes an electronic probe for receiving odor molecules and/or flavor molecules of the liquid medicament and the leakage determining module has evaluation electronics to determine presence of odor and/or flavor of the liquid medicament based on readings of the electronic probe.