Replaceable Infusion Pump Module Coupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion systems face challenges in achieving high dosing accuracy and large fluid delivery volumes, with syringe pumps limited by volume and peristaltic pumps lacking accuracy at low delivery rates, and requiring large, energy-consuming drives.
Innovation Solution
An infusion system with a replaceable pump module featuring a plunger-barrel unit operatively connected to a drive mechanism, incorporating a securing member and control link to ensure correct coupling and prevent unintended operation, along with a valve unit for precise fluid management, allowing only correct operation when the pump module is properly connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a syringe pump is used to achieve high dosing accuracy, then delivery precision is improved, but the fluid delivery volume is limited by the syringe capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable drive unit and a replaceable pump module containing the syringe. This allows the syringe (limiting factor for volume) to be replaced while keeping the precise drive mechanism, thus achieving both high dosing accuracy and large delivery volumes through multiple syringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different pump modules with varying syringe capacities. This enables the system to function with both small-volume high-precision syringes and large-volume syringes, achieving multi-functionality across different application requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If a peristaltic pump is used to deliver large fluid volumes, then delivery volume is improved, but dosing accuracy deteriorates at low delivery rates
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic tube mechanism is replaced with a syringe-based positive displacement system. The syringe plunger provides direct mechanical coupling to the fluid, eliminating the indirect tube flexing mechanism and achieving high dosing accuracy even at low delivery rates while maintaining large volume capability.
3Quantity of substance
If a peristaltic drive is used to achieve large delivery volumes, then delivery capacity is improved, but device size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex peristaltic drive mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler syringe plunger system. The pump module can be pre-filled and sealed, requiring only simple linear motion of the plunger for delivery, thus reducing device size and energy consumption while maintaining large volume delivery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system includes a pump and a replaceable pump module. The pump module can be arranged in a mount of the pump and includes a plunger-barrel unit operatively connectable to a drive mechanism of the pump. The pump module includes a plunger that can be coupled to the drive mechanism by a coupling structure operatively connected to the plunger and a counter-coupling structure for connecting engagement in the coupling structure and operatively connected to the drive mechanism. In a securing position, the infusion system includes a securing member which locks the coupling structure and the counter-coupling structure to each other. In addition or in the alternative, the infusion pump includes a control link operatively connected to the pump module.