Fluid Infusion Device Reservoir Seating and Occlusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid infusion devices face challenges in accurately detecting occlusions and ensuring proper seating of the fluid reservoir, often relying on fixed threshold forces which can lead to false alarms or delayed detection, and are prone to reservoir dislodgment during physical activities or environmental interactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that uses a force sensor to determine a range of valid actuation forces during motor operations, initiating corrective actions when forces fall outside this range, and adaptive occlusion detection techniques that evaluate force variations per unit of fluid delivered, along with monitoring the seating status by comparing measured forces to baseline values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed threshold forces are used for occlusion detection, then the detection method is simple, but false alarms occur or detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed threshold forces to dynamic adaptive thresholds that adjust based on real-time force measurements and delivery conditions. The system continuously monitors actuation forces and modifies detection thresholds to match current operating conditions, eliminating false alarms while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a static fixed threshold to a dynamic threshold that varies with delivery conditions. By monitoring force variations per unit of fluid delivered and adapting thresholds based on these measurements, the system achieves accurate occlusion detection without false alarms.
2Device complexity
If fixed threshold forces are used for reservoir seating detection, then the detection method is simple, but reservoir dislodgment is not detected reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic baseline comparison for reservoir seating detection. Instead of using a fixed threshold, the system continuously monitors actuation forces and compares them against dynamically updated baselines that adapt to changing delivery conditions, ensuring reliable detection of reservoir dislodgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where real-time force measurements are continuously monitored and used to update detection criteria. The system compares current actuation forces against baseline values derived from recent measurements, providing reliable reservoir seating detection that adapts to varying operating conditions.
3Speed
If force sensor measurements are taken frequently, then occlusion detection speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic force sensor measurements synchronized with the delivery cycle rather than continuous monitoring. By measuring forces at specific intervals corresponding to delivery events and comparing against baseline values, the system achieves rapid occlusion detection while minimizing energy consumption through targeted rather than continuous sensing.
4Reliability
If adaptive thresholds are implemented, then false alarms are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting detection thresholds that automatically adapt to changing conditions without external intervention. The system uses its own force sensor measurements to dynamically update baselines and detection criteria, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex external control systems while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of occlusion detection and ensures proper reservoir seating, reducing false alarms and preventing fluid under-dosing by dynamically adjusting thresholds based on real-time force measurements, and alerts the user to potential reservoir dislodgment.
Implementation Method 1
determining a plurality of force measurements for a fluid delivery action of the drive motor assembly... determining a rate of change of the measures of fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid infusion device including a housing that receives a sealed fluid reservoir is presented here. The fluid infusion device includes a drive motor assembly, an actuation mechanism, a force sensor, and at least one processor in the housing. The processor detects insertion of the fluid reservoir and incrementally rewinds the drive motor assembly to achieve an equilibrium state. The processor advances the drive motor assembly and obtains at least one measure of force using the force sensor until the at least one measure of force indicates that the fluid reservoir has reached an initial seated state. The processor performs a stabilizing cycle with the drive motor assembly. The processor advances the drive motor assembly and obtains at least one subsequent measure of force using the force sensor until the at least one subsequent measure of force indicates that the fluid reservoir has reached a subsequent sealed state.