Infusion Pump Occlusion Detection via Flexible Membrane and Light Transmissive Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional infusion pump systems face challenges in reliably detecting occlusions in the medicine flow path, especially under varying environmental conditions, which can lead to incorrect feedback and reduced medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
The infusion pump system incorporates an occlusion detection system featuring a flexible membrane and light transmissive member, with primary and reference light emitters and sensors, allowing for self-calibration and reliable occlusion detection by comparing light signals to account for environmental changes, and triggering an alarm if an occlusion occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light-based occlusion detection system is used, then occlusion detection capability is improved, but sensitivity to environmental conditions (temperature, pressure) causes false indications
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors light transmission through the fluid path and compares it against reference values, automatically adjusting for environmental variations. The sensor provides real-time feedback about light intensity changes, enabling the control system to distinguish between environmental effects and actual occlusions.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is introduced as an intermediary element that transmits pressure changes from the fluid path to the light sensor. The membrane deflects in response to pressure variations caused by occlusions, modulating the light path and providing a mechanical-to-optical signal conversion that is less sensitive to environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If environmental conditions are monitored and accounted for, then reliability of occlusion detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion detection functionality is integrated directly into the fluid path structure itself, combining the flow channel, pressure sensing membrane, and light detection elements into a unified component. This eliminates the need for separate environmental monitoring systems while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational characteristics (light transmission through the fluid path) as the basis for occlusion detection, rather than requiring external environmental sensors. The fluid path structure itself serves as the sensing element, automatically compensating for environmental variations.
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
This solution ensures reliable detection of occlusions, preventing under-dosing and providing timely alerts, even in changing environmental conditions, thus ensuring consistent medication delivery.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure in the fluid channel acts upon the flexible membrane
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure in the fluid channel above a threshold value causes the flexible membrane to deform into the air cavity
Implementation Method 3
a primary light emitter configured to align with the light transmissive member and emit light into the light transmissive member
Implementation Method 4
a light sensor configured to align with the light transmissive member and receive light from the primary light emitter that passes through the light transmissive member
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system include an occlusion detection system to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site located, for example, on the user's skin. The occlusion detection system can be configured to self-calibrate in a manner that accounts for changes in environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature, pressure, or the like, so that the occlusion detection system provides reliable feedback to a user as to the occluded or non-occluded state of the medicine flow path.