Infusion Pump Door Mount Stabilization via Segmented Pins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door mount systems for infusion pumps are insufficient in stiffness and rigidity, leading to inadequate counteraction of increased pump actuator forces, which results in reduced flow efficiency, variable output volumes, and limitations in flow rates and continuity.
Innovation Solution
A door mount stabilization system that includes a pivotally attached door with strategically positioned mounting pins and a mechanism involving a stepper motor, ball screw, and flexible coupler to stabilize the plunger and maintain minimal fluid shear stresses, ensuring sufficient strength and stability to handle higher actuator forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the pump actuator force is increased to meet higher flow rate demands, then the pump can deliver higher flow rates, but the pump chamber actuation force becomes insufficient to counteract the actuator force resulting in cassette body movement
Solution Approach 1:
The door mount system is segmented into multiple mounting points (first mounting pin, second mounting pin, third mounting pin) distributed across the door structure. This segmentation allows the actuation force to be distributed across multiple attachment points, increasing overall system stiffness and preventing cassette body movement while maintaining the ability to deliver high flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pins are positioned at different locations and orientations on the door (first pin at first location, second pin at second location, third pin at third location). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions creates a more rigid structural framework that can counteract the increased actuator forces without causing cassette displacement.
2Productivity
If the pump actuator force is increased to handle higher flow rates, then greater pump flow rates are achieved, but flow efficiency is lowered and output volume varies
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing the mounting function across multiple pins rather than a single attachment point, the system maintains precise control over the plunger's actuation motion. This segmentation of the mounting function ensures that the cassette remains stable during high-flow operation, maintaining consistent output volume and flow efficiency.
3Device complexity
If traditional door mount systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks sufficient stiffness and rigidity to handle increased actuator forces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses multiple discrete mounting pins positioned at optimized locations on the door. This segmented approach increases structural stiffness and rigidity compared to a single mounting point, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting pins are strategically positioned at specific locations on the door where they provide maximum structural support and stiffness. The first mounting pin is positioned at a first location, the second mounting pin at a second location, and the third mounting pin at a third location, optimizing the local structural properties at each mounting point to handle the actuator forces effectively.
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 enhances pump system stiffness, maintains flow efficiency, stabilizes output volumes, and allows for increased pump flow rates and continuity across a wide dynamic range, from 0.1 ml/hr to 2,000 ml/hr, by providing a 5 to 1 ratio of pump chamber reaction force to actuator force.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable plunger that is connected to a ball screw that is operatively connected to a stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
a flexible coupler that also receives a motor shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A door mount system having an infusion pump with a front mechanism plate. Pivotally connected to the pump is a door. Extending outwardly from the front mechanism plate are a plurality of mounting pins that align with and are received within openings in a front face of the door.