Infusion Pump Force Sensing for Occlusion Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps experience leakage due to incomplete closure of valving mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled medication delivery, necessitating a reliable method to verify proper valving operation.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing assembly is integrated into the infusion pump, comprising a platen with upper and lower occlusion sensors and a processor to measure forces on the fluid tube during pumping cycles, comparing these forces to established thresholds to detect deviations and generate control messages for adjusting pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valving mechanism is designed to close completely to prevent leakage, then medication delivery accuracy is improved, but the risk of incomplete closure due to manufacturing tolerances or wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where force sensors continuously measure the occlusion force during pump operation and compare it against expected ranges. When the measured force falls outside the acceptable range, indicating incomplete closure, the system generates an alert to notify operators of potential leakage or malfunction, enabling corrective action before medication delivery is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical indicators of valve closure (such as visual inspection or mechanical switches) with electronic force sensing technology. The force sensors provide precise, continuous measurement of occlusion force, converting a mechanical closure verification problem into an electrical signal that can be processed and monitored electronically for higher precision and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are integrated into the pump mechanism to detect occlusion forces, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates force sensors into the existing platen structure of the pump, allowing the same component to serve both its original mechanical function of closing the valve and the new sensing function of measuring occlusion force. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall device complexity by avoiding separate sensor housings and mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the force sensing capability directly with the occluder valve mechanism by embedding sensors within the platen assembly. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate detection systems and reduces the number of discrete components, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining measurement precision.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the pump operates with tight tolerances to ensure complete valve closure, then leakage is reduced, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the force sensors automatically detect and report incomplete closure conditions without requiring external inspection or adjustment. The system uses pre-programmed force ranges to automatically identify when closure is insufficient, enabling the pump to self-diagnose potential leakage issues and alert operators, thereby reducing the need for tight manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates force sensing capability into the pump design that allows for real-time monitoring of occlusion force during operation. By detecting potential closure issues before they result in actual leakage, the system prevents harmful effects proactively, allowing for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining patient safety and medication delivery accuracy.
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
Ensures accurate medication delivery by detecting incomplete occlusions and generating alarms or adjusting pump operation to prevent leakage, thereby maintaining consistent dosing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The force sensing assembly is configured to measure one or more forces exerted on the fluid tube during a pump cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Force sensing assemblies for an infusion pump are provided. A force sensing assembly includes a processor and an occlusion sensor coupled to the processor. The occlusion sensor is positioned opposed to an occluder valve when the platen is closed. The force sensing assembly measures one or more forces exerted on a fluid tube during a pump cycle. Infusion pump assemblies, methods of operating an infusion pump with a force sensing assembly, systems for controlling an infusion pump and an infusion device are also provided.