Infusion Pump Detection Assemblies for Occlusion and Bubble Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps lack effective detection systems for occlusions and air bubbles in medicinal fluid delivery, which can lead to improper medication delivery and potential harm to patients, especially when operated by untrained individuals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an occlusion detector using a membrane and force sensor to monitor fluid pressure, and a bubble detector utilizing light sensors to detect air, both connected to a controller for alerting users of potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infusion pumps are operated by untrained individuals at home, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but the risk of improper operation and undetected delivery issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to self-monitor infusion delivery through integrated sensors that automatically detect occlusions, air bubbles, and delivery completion without requiring external healthcare provider intervention. The force sensor and optical sensor allow the pump to self-diagnose delivery issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fluid delivery parameters using force sensors to detect pressure changes and optical sensors to detect air bubbles, providing real-time feedback to the controller to alert patients of delivery issues or completion.
2Measurement precision
If constant monitoring by healthcare providers is implemented, then delivery accuracy is improved, but resource availability and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual healthcare provider monitoring with automated mechanical and optical sensing systems. Force sensors measure pressure changes mechanically, while optical sensors detect air bubbles through light transmission, eliminating the need for constant human observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor serves multiple functions: monitoring fluid pressure, detecting occlusions, and determining delivery completion. The optical sensor simultaneously detects air bubbles and verifies fluid presence in the line.
3Reliability
If detection systems are added to infusion pumps, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor and optical sensor are integrated into the pump housing as unified detection systems. The force sensor is positioned to contact the fluid path, while the optical sensor is arranged with light emitter and detector on opposite sides of the flow path, combining multiple detection functions into a compact assembly.
4Measurement precision
If force sensors and optical sensors are integrated into the pump, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into separate functional modules: the force sensor assembly with its pressure-sensitive membrane, and the optical sensor assembly with light emitter and detector. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and testing of each sensor type before final integration into the pump.
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
Enhances the reliability of infusion pumps by accurately detecting occlusions and air bubbles, ensuring proper medication delivery and preventing damage or discomfort to patients.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane that deforms in response to fluid pressure generated by medicinal fluid delivery through the pump
Implementation Method 2
a piston which the membrane exerts axial force on when deforming, and a force sensor that indirectly measures fluid pressure within the pump
Implementation Method 3
The light refracts differently as it passes through the flow path depending on how much air or fluid is within the fluid flow path. The light is detected by the light sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to detection systems for an infusion pump. An occlusion detector for an infusion pump includes a membrane that deforms in response to fluid pressure in a fluid flow path branching off of the main fluid flow path of the infusion pump. The membrane deforms in response to fluid pressure, applying an axial pressure to a piston, which in turn triggers a force sensor. A controller of the infusion pump triggers an alarm or alerts a user when a threshold is reached. A bubble detector for the infusion pump includes a light emitter and reflective surface. Light shines through the fluid flow path, refracting differently if there is air present in the flow path. A light sensor detects the light and conveys an output signal to the controller. If detected air surpasses a threshold, the controller sounds an alarm or otherwise alerts the user.