Infusion Platform with Segmented Pneumatic Pump and Variable Flow Resistor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous infusion methods lack precise control over flow rates, flexibility in fluid volumes, and electronic recording capabilities, often resulting in inaccurate delivery and potential hazards such as 'runaway infusion' and air infusion, which can be harmful to patients.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based infusion platform using a low-pressure pneumatic pump with closed-loop quasi-static pressure adjustment and wireless communication for real-time monitoring and data recording, incorporating a disposable cassette with variable resistance and air elimination filters to prevent air delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a positive displacement fluid pump is used to precisely control flow rate, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and the risk of air infusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pump into two independent chambers: a first chamber that draws fluid from the source and a second chamber that delivers fluid to the patient. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function and enables the system to tolerate air in one chamber without affecting the other, reducing the need for complex air detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second chambers. This valve unidirectionally couples the chambers, allowing fluid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber but preventing backflow. This simple mechanical intermediary enables precise flow control and air tolerance without requiring complex electronic control systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air detection systems are incorporated to prevent air infusion, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity and nuisance alarms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of air in the fluid line into a beneficial feature by designing the pump to tolerate air in the first chamber. The compression member can compress air in the first chamber without affecting fluid delivery in the second chamber, eliminating the need for air detection alarms and converting a hazard into a design advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the pump into two chambers with unidirectional coupling, the system isolates air tolerance to the first chamber while maintaining precise fluid control in the second chamber. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex air detection systems, as air in one chamber cannot affect the other.
3Device complexity
If manual flow adjustment is used to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs a programmable controller that automatically controls the compression member based on pre-programmed flow rates. The system performs self-service by eliminating the need for manual flow adjustment, maintaining precise flow control through electronic programming while simplifying the physical control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical flow adjustment with an electronically controlled compression mechanism. The programmable controller substitutes for manual operation, providing precise flow rate control through electronic signals while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical pump structure.
4Device complexity
If a fixed volume pump is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different fluid volumes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump uses a compression member that can dynamically adjust its compression force and duration to deliver variable flow rates. The programmable controller enables the pump to adapt to different fluid volumes and flow rate requirements, transforming a potentially fixed-volume system into a dynamic, versatile platform without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
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 solution provides precise control over infusion rates, reduces the risk of air infusion, and enables electronic recording of infusion data, enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency by eliminating the need for manual adjustments and reducing nuisance alarms.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure differential moves the fluid from the fluid source through the disposable to the recipient
Implementation Method 2
air elimination filters to prevent air delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlled delivery of medicinal fluid includes a fluid pathway assembly defining a fluid pathway and including means for calculating a first calculated fluid flow rate using gas laws. The fluid pathway assembly has an inline flow sensor element received within the fluid pathway movable in response to fluid flowing in the fluid pathway. A flow control device is removably attached to the fluid pathway assembly and has a sensor for sensing a position of the inline flow sensor element in the fluid pathway, the position of the inline flow sensor element being representative of a second calculated fluid flow rate. The fluid pathway assembly includes a variable flow resistor adjustable to regulate a rate of fluid flow in the fluid pathway assembly. A drive mechanism attached to the flow control device is operably coupled to the variable flow resistor when the flow control device is attached to the fluid pathway assembly. The variable flow resistor is adjustable by the drive mechanism to achieve a target flow rate when the first calculated flow rate and/or the second calculated flow rate differs from the target flow rate.