Modular Infusion Pump Connector Reliability via Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular infusion systems face reliability issues due to connector wear and environmental exposure, leading to potential electrical connectivity losses and safety risks for patients, as existing methods like circuit breakers and redundant contacts are inadequate in detecting and addressing these issues without disrupting the circuit.
Innovation Solution
A patient care system with modular fluid infusion pumps and a processor that uses electrical current sensors to monitor and compare currents in power and ground lines, applying a decision matrix to determine the operational status of connectors and take necessary actions, such as alerting users or inhibiting pump operation, to ensure reliable connectivity without disrupting the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit breakers are used to protect against short circuits, then high current short circuits are protected, but higher impedance current shorts cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical circuit breaker system with an electrical measurement system using current sensors and a processor. This substitution enables detection of higher impedance shorts through electrical parameter measurement rather than mechanical tripping, resolving the limitation of traditional circuit breakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses redundant contacts as electrical copies of each other and measures their current draw to detect failures. By creating and monitoring copies of the electrical path, the system can identify when a contact fails without affecting the primary circuit operation.
2Reliability
If redundant contacts are provided, then backup connectivity is available, but the system cannot detect if the redundant contacts have been compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the current draw of each redundant contact and comparing measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when a redundant contact becomes compromised by identifying abnormal current patterns, enabling proactive failure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of contact resistance and current draw before failures occur. By continuously monitoring electrical parameters in advance, the system can detect degradation trends and identify compromised contacts before they cause operational failures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are exposed to the environment, then modular attachment and detachment is enabled, but the contact elements become susceptible to damage and wear from environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of connector integrity through electrical measurements before modules are attached to the patient care system. This preliminary action detects wear or damage early, preventing faulty connectors from being used in critical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with electrical measurement techniques for verifying connector integrity. Current sensors and processors measure electrical parameters to assess contact condition, providing a more sensitive and reliable method than visual or manual mechanical inspection.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the system is switched and tested offline to detect failed contacts, then contact failures can be detected, but the circuit must be disrupted which is only feasible upon power up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous verification of connector integrity during normal system operation without requiring circuit disruption. Current sensors monitor electrical parameters in real-time, allowing the system to maintain both patient care functionality and diagnostic capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces offline mechanical testing with continuous electrical monitoring. This substitution allows failure detection to occur during normal operation rather than requiring system shutdown, maintaining productivity while enabling comprehensive diagnostic capability.
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 effectively verifies and maintains the reliability of connectors, preventing electrical connectivity issues and ensuring safe operation of infusion pumps by detecting and addressing short circuits and open circuits in real-time without interrupting the infusion process.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrical current sensors configured to sense electrical currents in power lines and ground lines that pass through the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A patient care system is configured for infusing fluid to a patient. The system includes a plurality of modular fluid infusion pumps that each has a connector for connecting to a modular programming unit or to one another. Systems and methods are configured for verifying that the connectors are reliably performing their functions or communicatively connecting the pumps to one another or to the programming unit.