Infusion Pump Temperature Control Using Accelerometer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps experience discomfort and potential injury due to high surface temperatures, especially in ambulatory configurations, necessitating a solution to manage power dissipation and maintain safe operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump equipped with an accelerometer and temperature sensors to differentiate between ambulatory and non-ambulatory configurations, adjusting power consumption and temperature control to maintain safe surface temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the pump operates with high power consumption to maintain functionality, then the pump performance is improved, but the surface temperature increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power consumption adjustable based on detected motion states. The controller dynamically modifies power consumption parameters (such as motor speed, display brightness, or feature activation) based on accelerometer data indicating whether the pump is being worn or carried, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining pump performance and controlling surface temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the pump based on detected configuration. By modifying power consumption parameters (voltage, current, duty cycle) according to the detected state (worn vs. carried), the system adjusts the balance between performance and temperature, allowing high performance when carried and temperature reduction when worn.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump is designed for ambulatory use with battery power, then portability is improved, but power dissipation increases leading to higher surface temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power consumption based on real-time accelerometer data. When the pump detects it is being worn on the body, it automatically reduces power dissipation through the battery-powered components, thereby controlling surface temperature while maintaining portability. When carried, the system can operate at higher power levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using accelerometer sensors to continuously monitor the pump's motion state and feeding this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts power consumption accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically responds to changes in portability mode (worn vs. carried) to manage temperature.
3Temperature
If motion sensors are added to detect pump configuration, then temperature management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer sensor serves multiple functions: it detects pump configuration (worn vs. carried), which then triggers appropriate power consumption adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors or complex detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved temperature management.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system uses its own motion characteristics detected by the accelerometer to automatically determine its configuration state and self-adjust power consumption. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external monitoring systems or complex user input, achieving temperature management with minimal added complexity.
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 effectively manages power dissipation and temperature, ensuring patient comfort and safety by maintaining surface temperatures within acceptable limits in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the accelerometer is configured to detect motion and orientation of the pump
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor operative to provide temperature data indicative of a surface temperature of the pump housing
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to adjust power dissipation of the pump based on the detected configuration
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An infusion pump includes a housing, a pumping mechanism, an accelerometer configured to detect at least one of pump motion and pump angular orientation, and a temperature control unit. The temperature control unit is configured to receive accelerometer data and determine a pump configuration based on the accelerometer data. The pump configuration may include a contact configuration or a non-contact configuration. The temperature control unit is also configured to establish a threshold housing temperature based on the determined pump configuration. Additionally, the temperature control unit is configured to modify at least one pump feature or function to maintain the housing below the threshold housing temperature.