Infusion Pump Priming Cap for Occlusion-Safe Connection Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pump assemblies face challenges in efficiently administering precise and reliable delivery of fluids, particularly in managing occlusions and ensuring proper connection and priming, which can be unpractical and unreliable if performed manually by nursing staff.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a priming cap with a septum for connecting to a needle and tubing, and a method for priming the infusion pump, along with systems for determining cannula connections using electrical contacts or RFID chips, and methods for occlusion alarm checks and preventing prime when connections are not established, as well as a removable power supply cover assembly for infusion pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual priming and connection checking is performed by nursing staff, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability and efficiency of fluid delivery are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system performs self-priming and self-checking of connections through automated sensors and control circuits. The system automatically detects whether the infusion set is properly connected and primes the tubing without requiring manual intervention from nursing staff, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about connection status and priming conditions to the control circuit. This feedback mechanism allows the pump to automatically adjust its operation based on detected conditions, ensuring reliable fluid delivery without manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If automated priming and connection detection systems are implemented, then reliability and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the connection detection sensor is integrated with the priming mechanism, and both are controlled by a unified control circuit. This merging of functions improves productivity while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using shared hardware and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit serves multiple functions: it detects connection status, controls priming operation, and monitors fluid delivery. This multi-functionality approach improves overall system efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control unit handles multiple tasks.
3Measurement precision
If connection detection using electrical contacts or RFID chips is implemented, then accuracy of connection detection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable infusion sets that incorporate simple electrical contacts or RFID tags. These low-cost components are integrated into single-use tubing sets, providing accurate connection detection without requiring complex or expensive manufacturing processes. The disposable nature eliminates the need for complex assembly and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical contacts or RFID chips as intermediary elements between the infusion set and the pump. These intermediaries provide reliable connection detection through simple physical or electromagnetic interactions, improving measurement precision while keeping manufacturing straightforward since the intermediaries are standard, easily manufactured components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for priming an infusion pump is disclosed. The system includes a priming cap including a septum and configured to matably connect with a male part comprising a needle and attached to a length of tubing for fluid, wherein when matably connected with the male part, the priming cap occludes the tubing.