Injection Device Controller Using Deformation-Based Flow Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contrast product injection devices face challenges in maintaining precise outlet flow rates due to high costs and low measurement accuracy of disposable flow meters, which do not account for variations in liquid density and other physical phenomena affecting flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A system that estimates the outlet flow rate by receiving pressure information, calculating a fictitious leak rate based on the deformation of the injection system under pressure, and continuously adjusting the flow rate to match the setpoint, using a computer-programmed control unit with a self-adjusting regulator to improve precision and reduce consumable costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a disposable flow meter is used to measure outlet flow rate, then flow rate measurement is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet flow rate measurement precisionVSAvoidflow meter measurement quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical flow meter measurement system with a computer-based calculation system. The computer calculates the outlet flow rate by processing signals from sensors (pressure sensor, position encoder) and applying a deformation law of the injection system, eliminating the need for physical flow meters and their associated precision and cost issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate measurement parameters (pressure inside container, position of pressurizing unit) that can be measured with high precision by reliable sensors. These intermediate measurements serve as mediators to indirectly determine the outlet flow rate through calculation, achieving higher precision than direct flow meter measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If disposable flow meters are used, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but consumable costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet flow rate evaluationVSAvoidconsumable cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces disposable mechanical flow meters with a reusable computer-based calculation system. This substitution eliminates the need for disposable consumables while maintaining or improving measurement precision through computational methods based on sensor data and deformation laws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the disposal requirement by recovering and reusing the measurement system. Instead of discarding flow meters after single use, the computer-based system with sensors and deformation laws can be reused indefinitely, reducing consumable costs while maintaining measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Measurement precision

If traditional flow measurement is used, then outlet flow rate is monitored, but precision is limited due to unaccounted physical phenomena

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet flow rate evaluation precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple mechanical flow measurement with a computer-based system that incorporates complex physical phenomena (deformation law, pressure effects, density variations) into calculations. This substitution increases measurement precision by accounting for factors that simple mechanical sensors cannot capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement approach from direct mechanical flow sensing to calculating flow rate based on multiple parameters (pressure, position, deformation law). By measuring and processing multiple parameters computationally, the system achieves higher precision while managing complexity through software rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precision of flow rate evaluation and reduces costs by eliminating the need for disposable flow meters, providing a more accurate and cost-effective method for maintaining consistent contrast product injection.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurizing unit (2) for entraining the liquid product contained in the container (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Estimate a fictitious leak rate according to a law of deformation of the injection system under the effect of the pressure inside the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2861278B1Controller for the automatic control of an injection device

Publication Date: 2017.10.25 MEDEX INC

AI summary

The invention concerns an device for injecting a patient with a liquid product contained in a container (4), the system comprising a pressurising unit for driving the liquid product contained in the container, the system further comprising a calculator for estimating the injection flow rate at the outlet of the container, said injection flow rate at the outlet being estimated on the basis of a law of deformation of the system under the effect of the pressure inside the container.