Infusion System Stuck Droplet Detection via Dynamic Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air detection systems in infusion systems face challenges in accurately identifying stuck fluid droplets, which can lead to false negatives and reduced sensitivity due to fixed dynamic ranges in sensor voltage signals, causing potential air infusion into patients.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a processor and memory with programming code to analyze signals for stuck fluid droplets in infusion systems, dynamically updating the sensor voltage signal range and employing pattern recognition algorithms to distinguish stuck droplet patterns from air and fluid signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed threshold is applied to the sensor voltage signal for air detection, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision deteriorates when stuck fluid droplets are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment by continuously monitoring the sensor voltage signal characteristics and adapting the detection threshold based on the actual fluid conditions in the line. This allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying conditions while preserving ease of operation through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter (threshold value) dynamically based on the sensor signal characteristics. By monitoring voltage levels and signal patterns, the system adjusts the threshold to distinguish between air presence and stuck fluid droplets, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dynamic range of the sensor voltage signal is increased to accommodate system variation, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic range adjustment that adapts to system variations while preserving sensitivity. By continuously calibrating the detection algorithm to the actual signal characteristics and using pattern recognition to identify air-specific signatures, the system maintains high sensitivity despite increased dynamic range tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal characterization and baseline establishment before formal detection begins. This preliminary action allows the system to account for system variations and establish sensitive detection criteria specific to each operating condition, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If pattern recognition analysis is implemented to detect stuck fluid droplets, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware modifications with software-based pattern recognition algorithms. By using computational analysis of the existing sensor voltage signal, the system achieves high measurement precision for detecting stuck fluid droplets without adding physical complexity to the detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern recognition system serves multiple functions: detecting air presence, identifying stuck fluid droplets, and characterizing signal patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the increased computational complexity by providing comprehensive diagnostic capability from a single sensor system.
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
Accurately detects stuck fluid droplets, reducing false alarms and maintaining system sensitivity by dynamically adjusting the sensor signal range and using multi-state detection methods to identify unique signal patterns associated with stuck droplets.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic transducer pairs, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, are commonly applied to detect air in a fluid delivery line segment
Implementation Method 2
the presence of air in the fluid delivery line causes an acoustical open circuit which substantially attenuates the detected signal
Implementation Method 3
Ultrasonic transducer pairs, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, are commonly applied to detect air
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion system includes a pump, a fluid delivery line, a sensor, a processor, and a memory. The fluid delivery line is connected to the pump for delivering fluid. The sensor is connected to the fluid delivery line for emitting and receiving signals to detect whether there is air in the fluid delivery line. The processor is in electronic communication with the pump and the sensor. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to analyze the signals to determine if a stuck fluid droplet is stuck within the fluid delivery line at a location of the sensor.