Medical Injection Control Device Internal Pressure Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical injection systems face challenges in detecting leaks in user-activated control devices, particularly during and after the application of external forces, which can lead to inaccurate fluid delivery and require manual inspection for leaks.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a pressure sensor within the user-activated control device that monitors internal pressure changes, including drops below baseline pressure after the external force is released, to generate notifications for potential leaks, allowing for timely inspection and replacement or repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual inspection for leaks is performed, then operators can detect leaks, but the process is time-consuming and requires system shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electronic pressure sensing system. The pressure sensor continuously monitors internal pressure of the control device and automatically generates leak notifications when pressure drops occur, eliminating the need for manual inspection and system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting pressure changes that indicate leaks. The control module continuously monitors pressure and autonomously generates notifications without requiring operator intervention, enabling the system to detect and report its own problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If continuous pressure monitoring is implemented, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure monitoring sensitivityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors internal pressure during operation, detects leaks by identifying pressure drops, and provides baseline pressure data for comparison. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by comparing real-time pressure readings against baseline pressure values. When pressure drops below the baseline, the control module automatically generates a leak notification, providing precise leak detection through simple comparative logic rather than complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If pressure sensor monitoring continues after force release, then leaks are detected more reliably, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic monitoring by continuously sampling pressure and comparing it to baseline values. This periodic comparison approach maintains high detection reliability during the critical post-release period while consuming minimal energy, as the processor only performs simple threshold comparisons rather than continuous complex analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances leak detection sensitivity and reliability, enabling operators to promptly address leaks and maintain accurate fluid delivery during medical imaging procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the control module includes a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an internal volume of the control device, to sense an internal pressure thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2925388B1Medical injection systems and methods related to user activated control devices
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
  • EP2925388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2925388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2925388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control module for a medical injection system generates an injection control signal based on sensed internal pressure of a user activated control device, for example, in response to an applied external force that causes the sensed internal pressure to increase from a baseline pressure, and continues to sense the internal pressure of the device, following release of the applied external force, so that, if the sensed internal pressure drops below the baseline pressure, the control module may generate a notification. Thus, an operator of the system may monitor internal pressure of the control device for a drop below the baseline pressure, and then, if such a drop is detected, inspect the control device for leaks and reconnect, replace or repair the control device, or simply reconnect or replace the control device.