Infusion Pump Occlusion Sensor Using Mechanical Float Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion pump systems lack efficient and cost-effective occlusion detection methods, often requiring extended monitoring periods before alerting users to occlusions, which can delay medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
The infusion pump system incorporates a low-cost occlusion sensor system with a flow-responsive member that moves within a flow chamber, generating signals for occlusion detection through a sensor circuit, allowing for immediate occlusion detection upon activation, and includes a reusable controller device with disposable pump components for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple occlusion sensor system is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but detection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow sensors with a simple mechanical float valve mechanism. The float valve uses a floating element that rises and falls with fluid flow, mechanically actuating a valve to open or close a flow path. This mechanical system is inherently reliable, cost-effective to manufacture, and eliminates the need for sophisticated electronic sensors while maintaining high detection accuracy for occlusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The float valve mechanism is self-actuating and requires no external power source or complex control system. The floating element automatically responds to fluid flow conditions, mechanically opening or closing the valve based on whether flow is present or blocked. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable operation without adding cost or complexity to the infusion pump system.
2Reliability
If immediate occlusion detection is implemented, then medication delivery safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate occlusion detection through a direct mechanical coupling between the float valve and the infusion pump's flow control system. When the float rises due to fluid flow, it mechanically opens the valve; when the float falls (indicating occlusion), the valve closes. This mechanical linkage provides instant response without requiring electronic signal processing, thereby ensuring medication delivery safety while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion detection function is segmented into separate, simple mechanical components: the float element, the valve mechanism, and the flow chamber. Each component performs a specific function independently, allowing immediate detection without requiring integrated complex electronic systems. This segmentation simplifies the overall system while maintaining rapid response capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable pump components are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but component durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable float valve assembly that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. The float valve components (float element, valve body, sealing elements) are designed as a single-use unit that can be easily discarded after each infusion session. This approach reduces manufacturing costs significantly compared to durable, reusable electronic sensors, while the simple mechanical design ensures adequate durability for its intended short-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable float valve assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient for its intended duration of use. The mechanical components are robust enough to withstand the operational conditions of a single infusion session without requiring maintenance or repair. After use, the entire assembly can be discarded, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, or component replacement, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining adequate durability for its service life.
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 rapid occlusion detection, reducing the risk of delayed medication delivery and is cost-effective due to the use of low-cost disposable components, enhancing user safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a flow-responsive member that moves in response to a medicine flow through a flow chamber
Implementation Method 2
A sensor circuit can monitor movement of the flow-responsive member and can generate a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the medicine flow based on movement or non-movement of the flow responsive member
Implementation Method 3
an obstruction member that generates disturbances in a medicine flow path when medicine flows through a flow chamber
Implementation Method 4
A sensor circuit can monitor the disturbances and can generate a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the medicine flow, based on the presences or absence of the disturbances
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor system that communicates with control circuitry to detect the presence of an occlusion. In some embodiments, the occlusion sensor system includes first components that are located within a disposable and non-reusable pump device, and second components that are located within a reusable controller device, the second components being in operable communication with the first components to determine whether a fluid is flowing from the pump device.