Infusion Pump Identification via Tube Vibration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ambiguity in identifying which infusion set corresponds to which medicinal source or pump, especially when multiple infusion sets are used on a single patient, leads to a lack of systematic routing method for positive matching, causing confusion and potential errors in medication administration.
Innovation Solution
An identification system that includes a pump with sensors capable of receiving a signal generated by mechanical excitation within the tube, triggering an audible or visual alarm to identify the corresponding pump, utilizing a sensor such as a pressure sensor or accelerometer to detect vibrations or pressure changes, ensuring correct matching of the infusion set with its medicinal source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple infusion sets are used on a single patient, then the ability to administer multiple medications is improved, but the ability to identify which infusion set corresponds to which pump deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs colored light sources that illuminate the infusion set and tube, creating visual color coding to identify which infusion set corresponds to which pump. The colored light passes through the transparent or translucent tube, allowing users to visually trace and identify the correct pairing between infusion sets and pumps, thereby resolving the identification ambiguity when multiple infusion sets are used simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If visual identification system with colored light source is used, then the identification of infusion set is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the colored light source directly into the pump device itself, merging the identification function with the existing pump structure. This eliminates the need for separate external identification devices or complex additional systems, as the pump's own components are utilized to provide both medication delivery and visual identification functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump device is designed to serve multiple functions: it delivers medication through the infusion set while simultaneously providing visual identification through the colored light source. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating identification and delivery functions into a single device rather than requiring separate specialized components.
3Reliability
If sensor and alarm system are added to identify pump, then the reliability of matching is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor that detects the presence and configuration of the infusion set, and an alarm system that provides feedback to confirm correct matching. The sensor monitors parameters such as tube insertion depth or connection status, and the alarm provides audible or visual confirmation when the infusion set is correctly paired with the appropriate pump, thereby enhancing reliability through automated verification and feedback mechanisms.
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 identifies the corresponding pump by generating an alarm upon detecting mechanical excitation, ensuring accurate matching of infusion sets with their respective medicinal sources, reducing ambiguity and enhancing safety in multi-pump scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor(s) are operatively configured to receive a signal generated at the first end or along a length of the tube... utilizing a sensor such as a pressure sensor or accelerometer to detect vibrations or pressure changes
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a sensor such as a pressure sensor or accelerometer to detect vibrations or pressure changes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an identification system for an infusion set when the infusion set is installed in a pump. The identification system includes a pump, at least one sensor, a catheter, a tube and an alarm. The pump includes at least one sensor disposed thereon, which is in communication with the alarm. The catheter includes a distal end adapted for insertion into a body, and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The tube is operatively configured at a first end to removeably attach to the proximal end of the catheter, and the tube further includes a second end proximate to the sensor(s) on the pump. The sensor(s) are operatively configured to receive a signal generated at the first end or along a length of the tube, and to trigger the alarm upon receiving the signal so as to identify the corresponding pump.