Medical Injector Head Syringe Detection via Magnetic Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical injection systems face issues with frequent wear and leakage, leading to misreadings and the need for frequent flex ring replacement, as well as potential health risks due to fluid exposure and undesirable automatic activation when syringes are loaded.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a syringe barrel with a base portion that reflects light signals radially using reflective ramps, eliminating the need for refraction and reducing wear, and includes a magnetic switch system for controlled sensor activation, along with a fascia that provides tactile feedback and protects the injector head from fluid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is directed through the syringe wall and refraction is used to generate light signals, then syringe presence can be detected, but misreadings and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical refraction-based detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is embedded in the syringe plunger, and a magnetic sensor in the injector head detects the magnet's presence and position, triggering the injection sequence. This substitution eliminates optical misreadings and provides more reliable detection.
2Ease of operation
If the syringe engages the flex ring during loading, then the hall-effect sensor is triggered and the system prepares for operation, but wear increases and frequent replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flex ring engagement system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnet on the plunger and magnetic sensor in the injector head enable sensor activation without mechanical contact, eliminating wear on the flex ring and associated components while maintaining automatic activation functionality.
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied to the fluid in the syringe, then the fluid can be delivered at the required rate, but liquid leakage occurs and exposes the injection reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that enables detection and triggering without direct mechanical engagement between the syringe and injector components. This intermediary magnetic field system allows for reliable detection while reducing mechanical wear and potential fluid leakage paths associated with traditional engagement mechanisms.
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 solution reduces wear and leakage, enhances consistent syringe identification, and minimizes health risks by preventing fluid contact with the injector head, while allowing for controlled and reliable operation of the injection system.
Implementation Method 1
The base portion has a body surface that is shaped to form a light-propagating space alongside the body surface. The light-propagating space is defined by reflective ramps of the body surface. The reflective ramps have predetermined sizes and positions to reflect light signals radially away from the barrel body.
Implementation Method 2
A magnet is embedded in a plunger of the syringe. A magnetic sensor in the injector head detects the magnet, thereby triggering an injection sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection system includes an injector head that is configured to control delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. The injector head includes a syringe interface along an active side of the injector head. The syringe interface has a receiving cavity that is configured to receive a syringe barrel. A side cover has a syringe opening therethrough. The side cover is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the active side of the injector head such that the receiving cavity and the syringe opening align with each other to form a port that receives the syringe barrel.