Infusion Pump Occlusion Detection Using Tubing Force Decay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems face challenges in accurately detecting occlusions due to invasive sensors that risk contamination and non-invasive systems with degraded predictability under configuration changes, leading to potential under-infusion and life-threatening emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive infusion pump system using a force measurement device to generate a force-time curve, determine a time-decaying parameter, and calculate fluid pressure based on tubing material, dimensions, and use history, incorporating regression models to differentiate between soft and hard occlusions and reduce false positives/negatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive sensors are used for pressure measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to infection and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical pressure sensors with a non-invasive force measurement system. A force sensor measures the force exerted by the tubing on the pump mechanism, and through regression models, this force data is converted to estimate fluid pressure. This substitution eliminates direct fluid-sensor contact, removing infection risks while maintaining measurement capability through mathematical modeling of the force-pressure relationship.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive pressure measurement protocols are used, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to degraded predictability of algorithms under configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic regression models that adapt to changing configuration conditions. Rather than using static algorithms with fixed predictability, the regression models are continuously updated and retrained based on actual operational data, tubing characteristics, and pump configuration changes. This dynamic adaptation maintains measurement precision even when tubing materials, dimensions, or pump settings change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct pressure sensing to force measurement with mathematical conversion. Regression models establish the relationship between tubing force and fluid pressure, allowing the system to infer pressure parameters from force measurements. This parameter transformation enables non-invasive measurement while maintaining accuracy through learned relationships that account for tubing material properties, dimensions, and operational conditions.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated averaging algorithms are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex signal processing algorithms with a more straightforward force measurement and regression-based pressure estimation system. Instead of using sophisticated averaging algorithms that process multiple pressure sensor signals, the system directly measures tubing force and uses regression models to estimate pressure. This substitution reduces computational complexity while maintaining occlusion detection accuracy through the physical relationship between force and pressure.
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
Accurately detects occlusions with reduced false alarms, ensuring reliable fluid delivery by distinguishing between different occlusion types and adapting to tubing variations, thereby preventing under-infusion and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned to obtain a value of a tubing force when the tube is received by the infusion pump
Implementation Method 2
determine a time-decaying parameter associated with the tubing force characterizing the force-time curve
Implementation Method 3
determine a fluid pressure value for a fluid in the tube based at least in part on the time-decaying parameter, a material of the tube, a dimension of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump for detection of a fluid condition in a flexible tubing is provided. The infusion pump includes a sensor positioned to obtain a value of a tubing force when the tube is received by the infusion pump, a memory storing instructions and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to generate a force-time curve representative of values of the tubing force obtained by the sensor over time, determine a time-decaying parameter associated with the tubing force characterizing the force-time curve, and determine a fluid pressure value for a fluid in the tube based at least in part on the time-decaying parameter, a material of the tube, a dimension of the tube, and a use history of the tube. A method for using an infusion pump is also provided.