Infusion Pump Infrared Detection for Blockage and Bubble Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps face challenges in reducing size and weight while effectively detecting abnormalities in infusion tubes, such as blockages and air bubbles, which are crucial for patient safety and medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
A detection device integrated with an infusion pump that uses an irradiation unit to emit infrared rays towards the infusion tube, an imaging unit to capture images based on the infrared reflection, and a control unit to analyze the light intensity distribution for detecting blockages and air bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection methods (Hall element, ultrasonic sensor) are used to detect infusion tube abnormalities, then detection capability is achieved, but device size and weight cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared ray emission function and image capture function into a single integrated detection device. The imaging unit captures images of the infusion tube while the irradiation unit emits infrared rays, merging multiple detection functions into one compact system that reduces overall device weight and size compared to separate detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical detection methods (Hall elements for blockage detection, ultrasonic sensors for air bubble detection) with an optical-based infrared imaging system. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple separate mechanical sensors, reducing device complexity, weight, and size while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources positioned at different spatial locations to illuminate the infusion tube from various angles. This multi-dimensional approach allows the imaging unit to capture images that reveal different aspects of tube abnormalities, improving detection accuracy without requiring complex single-point detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging unit serves multiple detection functions simultaneously - it can detect blockages, air bubbles, and other abnormalities in the infusion tube using the same basic image capture mechanism. The control unit processes images from multiple light sources to identify different types of abnormalities, providing universal detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 solution enables accurate detection of infusion tube blockages and air bubbles, improving the safety and reliability of infusion pumps by enhancing their ability to monitor tube abnormalities in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit configured to emit an infrared ray toward an infusion tube
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit configured to generate a captured image obtained by imaging the infusion tube irradiated with the infrared ray
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device according to the present disclosure includes: an irradiation unit configured to emit an infrared ray toward an infusion tube; an imaging unit configured to generate a captured image obtained by imaging the infusion tube irradiated with the infrared ray by the irradiation unit; and a control unit configured to detect blockage of the infusion tube and air bubbles in the infusion tube based on a light intensity distribution in the captured image.