Infusion Pump Cap Mating Detection via Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems lack the ability to detect and monitor the proper use and replacement of consumables, such as caps and lines, which are crucial for ensuring the scheduled and compliant usage of fluid delivery devices.
Innovation Solution
A sensing apparatus is integrated into the housing of an infusion pump, comprising a receptacle with a pressure sensor that detects the engagement and disengagement forces of a cap with a spring clip or locking arm, allowing for the detection of proper mating and demating, as well as recording the forces during these interactions to authenticate compliant consumables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is integrated into the receptacle to detect cap engagement forces, then the ability to detect and monitor consumable usage and replacement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated directly into the receptacle structure, merging the sensing function with the existing mechanical coupling component. This allows the receptacle to simultaneously perform its structural function of receiving the cap and its sensing function of detecting engagement forces through the spring clip mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip on the cap automatically applies force to the receptacle during mating, and this same mechanical interaction serves dual purposes: both securing the cap in place and triggering the pressure sensor to detect engagement. The system uses the inherent mechanical forces of the coupling mechanism itself to activate the sensing function without requiring additional actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the pressure sensor is placed within the connector interface to detect load transfer, then the monitoring of proper mating is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is positioned at a specific localized position within the connector interface where load transfer occurs during cap engagement. By placing the sensor only at this critical location rather than throughout the entire connector, the design achieves reliable detection of proper mating while minimizing manufacturing complexity and sensor requirements.
3Loss of information
If the sensing apparatus monitors consumable usage and replacement, then the compliance monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback about cap engagement status to the infusion pump system. This feedback mechanism allows the device to monitor whether a cap is properly attached, detect when it is removed, and track consumable usage over time, enabling compliance monitoring through a relatively simple binary detection system rather than complex continuous monitoring.
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 enables the infusion pump to effectively monitor and record the usage and replacement of consumables, ensuring proper operation and reducing costs by reusing sensing components over a longer period, while preventing the use of non-compliant caps.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip configured to interlock in urged engagement with the clip receiver during assembly
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor is carried by the receptacle within the first connector interface and is configured to detect load transfer from the spring clip to the receptacle during mating and de-mating of the cap from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes an apparatus for detecting mating of a cap with a fluid delivery device having a housing, a receptacle, and a sensor. The housing is configured to carry an insulin delivery device having a reservoir of the fluid. The receptacle is provided by the housing having a coupling with a locking recess configured to receive a cap with a sprung locking arm. The pressure sensor is carried by the receptacle proximate the coupling and configured to detect engagement force of the sprung locking arm with the receptacle when mated with the housing. A method is also provided.