Infusion Pump Occlusion Detection via Gas-Filled Sensing Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion systems for delivering liquid therapeutic products, such as insulin, face issues with large size, high electrical power requirements, frequent battery replacement or recharging, and complex, costly designs due to the need for accurate flow rate control and periodic flushing of wetted parts.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system with a durable pump and occlusion-sensing mechanism, utilizing a closed sensing tube filled with gas to detect movement of a liquid front and determine partial or total occlusions in the outlet tube, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of insulin delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If disposable reservoirs with complex interfaces are used to achieve accurate flow rate control, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the occlusion detection function from the complex disposable reservoir interface and implements it through a separate, simpler sensing mechanism using a sensing tube and sensor assembly that can be integrated with the pump without requiring complex disposable components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow rate control mechanisms with an electronic sensing system that uses optical or capacitive sensors to detect liquid front movement in the sensing tube, enabling accurate detection without complex mechanical interfaces
2Manufacturing precision
If high electrical power is consumed to achieve accurate flow rate control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical flow control systems with low-power electronic sensing that uses optical or capacitive detection to monitor liquid front position, significantly reducing electrical power requirements while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical flow measurement to optical or capacitive signal detection, which requires much lower electrical power while achieving comparable or superior measurement precision
3Reliability
If frequent battery replacement or recharging is required, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy consumption parameter by using low-power sensing and control electronics, which extends battery life and reduces the frequency of battery replacement or recharging, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining reliability
4Reliability
If wetted parts are periodically flushed or replaced, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the occlusion detection function from the wetted parts and implements it through a separate sensing tube that can detect occlusions without requiring frequent flushing or replacement of the wetted components
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
The system effectively reduces the need for frequent battery replacement and minimizes costly disposable parts by providing accurate and reliable insulin delivery while detecting occlusions to prevent mechanical stress and ensure continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to sense movement of a liquid front within the sensing tube and, responsive to sensing of said movement, determine that a partial or total occlusion has occurred within the outlet tube
Data Source
AI summary
Infusion pump system and associated methods The invention provides a fluid delivery system (1), comprising: an outlet tube (6); a pump (2) for pumping liquid along a fluid path (100) including the outlet tube; a closed sensing tube (104) branched from the fluid path which, in use, is filled with gas; and a sensor (108) configured to sense movement of a liquid front within the sensing tube and, responsive to sensing of said movement, determine that a partial or total occlusion has occurred within the outlet tube.