Infusion Pump Automation for Rate Calculation and Set Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infusion pumps are complex to operate, requiring users to manually set and adjust infusion rates and monitor infusion processes, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for self-administering patients.

Innovation Solution

An infusion pump that automatically determines infusion rates based on user-specified time intervals and patient-specific factors, such as weight and infusion history, and adjusts operation based on the type of infusion set used, while also aiding in priming and needle placement verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional infusion pumps are used with manual operation, then users can control infusion rates, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion pump automatically determines infusion rates based on user-specified time intervals and patient-specific factors (weight, infusion history) without requiring manual calculation or adjustment by the user. The system performs self-service by autonomously calculating and adjusting infusion parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually set and adjust rates, thus simplifying operation while maintaining control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes infusion rate parameters based on time intervals and patient-specific factors. The infusion pump dynamically adjusts flow rate parameters without manual intervention, transforming the operation from manual parameter setting to automated parameter adjustment based on pre-specified time intervals and patient data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If automated rate determination is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but calculation accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcalculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion pump uses feedback from patient-specific factors (weight, infusion history) and time interval data to automatically determine accurate infusion rates. The system continuously monitors and adjusts rates based on feedback from these parameters, ensuring calculation accuracy while maintaining user convenience through automated determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations of infusion rates based on pre-specified time intervals and patient-specific factors before actual infusion begins. By pre-determining accurate rates based on weight, infusion history, and time intervals, the system ensures calculation accuracy is established beforehand, reducing real-time computational requirements while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If infusion set configuration detection is added, then infusion accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfusion accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical detection of infusion set configuration with an automated detection system. The infusion pump automatically detects whether the infusion set is configured for one site or two sites without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical switches, thereby improving infusion accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity through automated sensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If automated priming assistance is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion pump provides automated priming assistance by autonomously controlling the priming process based on user input. The system performs self-service by automatically managing the priming sequence, reducing the need for manual操作步骤 while maintaining user convenience through automated control of the priming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20210316068A1Infusion pump and infusion pump operations

Publication Date: 2021.10.14 TAKEDA PHARMA CO LTD

AI summary

According to various aspects of the present application, embodiments of an infusion pump for administering medication to a patient are provided. According to one embodiment, the infusion pump automatically determines time intervals and associated rates of infusion of the medication, and automatically controls a pump engine to infuse the medication for the determined time intervals at the associated rates of infusion. According to another embodiment, the infusion pump determines whether an infusion set is configured to infuse medication into a patient at one site or at two sites. The infusion pump then controls the pump engine based on the determined configuration of the infusion set. According to another embodiment, the infusion pump automatically primes the infusion set for infusion of medication into a patient. According to another embodiment, the infusion pump automatically determines whether one or more needles have been placed on the patient correctly.