Infusion Air Sensor Frequency Tuning to Prevent ADC Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog-to-digital converters in infusion systems can become over-saturated when operating at the resonant frequency of sensors, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in detecting air in the fluid delivery line, potentially causing errors and alarms.
Innovation Solution
The system operates the sensors at a modified frequency different from their resonant frequency to reduce the signal amplitude below the saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter, preventing over-saturation and improving detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor operates at its resonant frequency to maximize signal output, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the analog-to-digital converter becomes over-saturated leading to reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the sensor from the resonant frequency to a modified frequency that is lower than the resonant frequency. This parameter change reduces the signal amplitude output by the sensor, preventing over-saturation of the analog-to-digital converter while maintaining sufficient signal strength for accurate air detection in the fluid delivery line.
2Loss of information
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency to maximize signal strength, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the analog-to-digital converter saturation causes measurement errors and false alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The operating frequency parameter is modified from the resonant frequency to a lower frequency value. This change optimizes the signal amplitude to fall within the linear range of the analog-to-digital converter, preserving signal integrity and enabling precise air detection without causing converter saturation that would lead to measurement errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor operates at resonant frequency, then the detection range is maximized, but the system reliability deteriorates due to analog-to-digital converter over-saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operating frequency is changed from the resonant frequency to a modified frequency that extends the usable detection range by preventing analog-to-digital converter saturation. This parameter adjustment maintains the system's ability to detect air in the fluid delivery line while improving overall system reliability by eliminating errors and false alarms caused by converter over-saturation.
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 reliability and accuracy of air detection in infusion systems by avoiding signal over-saturation, reducing errors, and ensuring accurate fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to transmit and receive a signal to detect whether there is air in the fluid delivery line by operating at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the one or more sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter.