Infusion Pump Cam Drive for Precise Flow Without Door Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid infusion devices, such as gravity infusion devices and volumetric pumps, lack precision in dosage rates, are bulky, have limited user interfaces, and can cause unintended suspension of medication due to door assembly issues, making them difficult to prime and use.
Innovation Solution
A fluid infusion system with a housing containing a pump unit driven by an eccentric cam, a display for user input, and sensors for monitoring vital signs, allowing precise control over fluid flow rates and featuring a valve mechanism to prevent unintended fluid flow, with a design that facilitates ergonomic positioning and easy priming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If volumetric pumps are used to provide precise dosage rates, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex volumetric pump mechanisms with a simpler gravity-based infusion system. The gravity infusion device uses a reservoir positioned above the patient to deliver fluid through gravity alone, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping components while maintaining controlled fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pumping function from the infusion system, separating the fluid delivery mechanism from the control system. This allows the use of passive gravity-based delivery while maintaining precision through electronic control of the infusion rate and monitoring systems.
2Device complexity
If gravity infusion devices are used to simplify the pump mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of dosage rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through electronic sensors and monitoring systems that continuously measure fluid flow rate, reservoir position, and infusion progress. This feedback enables precise control of dosage rates despite the simplicity of the gravity-based mechanical system, allowing real-time adjustment to maintain accurate delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical flow control mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using complex mechanical pumps to regulate flow, the system uses electronic sensors to monitor gravity-driven flow and adjusts the infusion rate electronically, maintaining precision while keeping the mechanical structure simple.
3Ease of operation
If integrated display and control interfaces are added to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single display and control interface unit. The display shows infusion progress, alerts, and control options, while the control interface handles user input for rate adjustment and system configuration. This multi-functional integration improves ease of operation by consolidating controls and information in one accessible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the display and control interface in a separate, accessible dimension from the gravity reservoir and infusion site. The display unit can be positioned at the user's working height, allowing easy monitoring and control without requiring the user to bend or reach excessively, thereby improving operational ease while managing system complexity through spatial separation.
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 system provides precise medication delivery with user-friendly operation, preventing unintended suspension and enhancing safety through ergonomic design and sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that is mechanically coupled with an eccentric cam via one or more gears, such that the motor causes rotation of the eccentric cam
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the eccentric cam causes the pistons to depress different portions of the tubing over time, and thereby causes flow of a fluid within the tubing
Implementation Method 3
The valve is configured to compress the tubing to prevent fluid flow in the tubing of the cartridge when the valve is in a first position
Implementation Method 4
sensors for monitoring vital signs
Data Source
AI summary
Various fluid delivery systems are described comprising an infusion pump having a housing with a first opening and a hollow interior portion that is configured to receive a cartridge having a tubing. A pump unit can be disposed within the housing. The pump unit comprises a motor mechanically coupled with a crank shaft or eccentric cam that is configured to move a set of pistons or other objects to thereby compress one or more portions of the tubing over time as the crank shaft or eccentric cam rotates.