Infusion Pump Power Cover With Spring Contacts and Occlusion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pump assemblies face challenges in providing reliable and efficient power supply and occlusion detection, with existing solutions often being impractically expensive or unreliable, and lacking effective methods for preventing reverse-polarity electrical coupling of power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A removable power supply cover assembly with a spring-based electrical coupling and a sealing assembly, including a conductor assembly and o-ring for water-tight sealing, is integrated into the infusion pump, along with a locking mechanism for the reservoir and a plunger rod, and a method for administering sequential, multi-part infusion events with occlusion detection using force sensors and processing logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable power supply cover assembly with spring-based electrical coupling is used, then reliability of power supply connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based electrical coupling automatically maintains contact pressure between the power supply contacts and the circuit board. The spring mechanism self-adjusts to compensate for wear, thermal expansion, and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring continuous reliable electrical connection without requiring manual intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is divided into modular components: a removable cover assembly, a separate power supply unit, and integrated circuit board contacts. This segmentation allows independent replacement and testing of components, simplifying maintenance while the spring-based coupling ensures reliable electrical connection between segments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing assembly with o-ring is used to form water-tight seal, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric o-ring seal is used to create a flexible, water-tight barrier between the removable cover assembly and the pump housing. The o-ring deforms to conform to slight irregularities in the mating surfaces, providing effective sealing without requiring precision-machined flat surfaces or complex gasket structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly combines the elastomeric o-ring material with the rigid housing structures. The o-ring provides flexible sealing while the housing provides structural support and alignment features, creating a composite sealing system that is both effective and manufacturable using standard molding and machining processes.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors and processing logic are used for occlusion detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical occlusion detection methods (such as pressure switches or flow sensors) are replaced with force sensors that measure the mechanical force required to drive the pump. The processing logic analyzes force variations to detect occlusions, providing precise detection while using readily available sensor technology and straightforward computational algorithms.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism for reservoir and plunger rod is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the reservoir assembly is installed on the pump. Alignment features and cam-actuated locks pre-position the reservoir and secure it through a simple rotational or push motion, eliminating the need for manual tightening or complex fastening procedures while ensuring reliable attachment.
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 solution ensures reliable power supply, prevents reverse-polarity coupling, and enhances occlusion detection, improving the overall efficiency and safety of the infusion pump assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached to the power supply contact assembly and the conductor assembly, wherein an electrical coupling between a power supply to the conductor assembly is formed through the spring
Implementation Method 2
a sealing assembly for releasable engaging at least a portion of the enclosure assembly and forming an essentially water-tight seal between the removable cover assembly and the enclosure assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A removable power supply cover assembly for an infusion pump is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing body configured to removably attach to an infusion pump, a conductor assembly attached to the housing body, a power supply contact assembly, and a spring attached to the power supply contact assembly and the conductor assembly. An electrical coupling between a power supply to the conductor assembly is formed through the spring.