Infusion Pump Flow Control with Variable Pressure and Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion pumps lack sensitivity to pressure changes, leading to inaccurate fluid flow control, inefficiency, and reliance on skilled labor, with existing systems failing to provide continuous flow, wide flow rate range, and reliable operation, especially in clinical settings where precise and safe intravenous infusions are required.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system that combines flow rate measurement with adjustable fluid pressure and inline resistance, using a pressure frame with an air bladder and a flexible bag, along with an inline flow sensor and electronic module to precisely control fluid flow, enabling closed-loop feedback control and minimizing external power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pressure-based sensing mechanisms are used with indirect contact through a fluid barrier, then the pump can operate with simple sensing, but the sensitivity to pressure changes is lost and feedback on actual fluid flow conditions is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible diaphragm as an intermediary element that transmits pressure changes from the fluid to the sensing mechanism without requiring direct contact between the sensor and fluid. This diaphragm allows indirect pressure sensing while maintaining sensitivity to pressure changes, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional indirect pressure sensing mechanisms with a more sensitive pressure transducer that can detect subtle pressure changes. This substitution improves measurement precision while the overall system design keeps the sensing mechanism relatively simple through efficient signal transmission from the diaphragm to the transducer.
2Productivity
If motor-driven pumping mechanisms are used to achieve controlled flow rates, then flow control capability is improved, but power consumption increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic motor activation rather than continuous operation. The motor is activated in cycles to maintain the desired flow rate, allowing the system to achieve controlled flow capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from pressure and flow sensors to automatically adjust motor operation. The sensing mechanisms provide continuous information about actual fluid flow conditions, enabling the control system to optimize motor activation timing and duration, thereby maintaining productivity while minimizing energy consumption.
3Productivity
If high pumping forces are generated to overcome resistance, then flow rate can be maintained under high resistance conditions, but unnecessary pumping force creates inefficiency and potential safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control using pressure sensors and flow sensors that continuously monitor actual fluid flow conditions. This feedback enables the system to apply only the necessary pumping force required to maintain the target flow rate, preventing excessive force generation while ensuring flow rate maintenance under varying resistance conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pumping force based on real-time feedback from sensors. Rather than applying constant high force, the motor-driven mechanism modulates its output to match the actual resistance encountered, maintaining productivity while eliminating the harmful effects of unnecessary high pumping forces.
4Use of energy by moving object
If gravity-based pressure systems are used for infusion, then energy efficiency is improved and operating pressure is reduced, but flow control precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy efficiency of gravity-based systems with the reliability of motor-driven systems. The system combines a motor-driven pump with feedback control from pressure and flow sensors, achieving both low power consumption through optimized motor operation and reliable flow control through continuous monitoring and adjustment based on actual fluid flow conditions.
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 achieves continuous, accurate, and efficient fluid flow with minimal operating pressures, enhanced sensitivity to external conditions, reduced risk of air-in-line errors, and improved reliability, ensuring precise and safe intravenous infusions across a wide range of flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid control system that combines flow rate measurement with adjustable fluid pressure and inline resistance, using a pressure frame with an air bladder and a flexible bag
Implementation Method 2
The sensing mechanisms commonly used are pressure based and made with indirect contact with the fluid to be pumped
Implementation Method 3
feedback control infusion pumps with flow sensing, volume sensing, variable pressure control, and variable flow resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump and method are provided which control flow rates with variable fluid pressure and variable series flow resistance.