Integrated IV Administration Set for Closed-Loop Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps lack efficiency, sensitivity, and accuracy in detecting and controlling a wide range of dynamic flow rates, leading to issues such as over-infusion and under-infusion during infusion processes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated intravenous (IV) administration set with liquid sensing capabilities and closed loop flow control circuitry, incorporating an electronic flow sensor and a flow stop mechanism, which monitors actual flow rates and adjusts the pump or alerts the user to deviations from the set flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional infusion pumps without integrated sensing are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of flow rate monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor, flow stop mechanism, and control circuitry into an integrated IV administration set that attaches to the infusion pump. This merging of sensing and control functions into a single modular unit improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through functional integration rather than distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic flow sensor acts as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the control system, providing accurate real-time flow rate measurements. The flow stop serves as an intermediary mechanical element that translates electrical control signals into physical flow regulation, enabling precise flow control without requiring complex direct pump control mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If a flow sensor and control circuitry are integrated into the IV administration set, then flow control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IV administration set is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines fluid delivery, flow sensing, flow control, and alarm functions. This universal design achieves high flow control accuracy by consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, reducing the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control circuitry continuously monitors flow rate via the electronic sensor and automatically adjusts the flow stop to maintain the target flow rate without external intervention. This self-service capability achieves precise flow control accuracy by enabling the system to self-regulate based on real-time feedback, reducing the need for manual adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If real-time flow monitoring is implemented, then reliability of infusion delivery is improved, but loss of energy increases due to continuous sensing and control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring where the electronic flow sensor measures actual flow rate and the control circuitry compares it to the target flow rate, automatically adjusting the flow stop to maintain accuracy. This feedback mechanism significantly improves infusion delivery reliability by detecting and correcting deviations in real-time, ensuring consistent and safe medication delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow monitoring and control operations continue uninterrupted throughout the infusion process, maintaining constant surveillance of flow rate. This continuous useful action ensures reliable infusion delivery by preventing over-infusion or under-infusion events, with the system operating seamlessly from start to finish of each infusion cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated intravenous (IV) administration set includes a flow stop having a tubing fitment and a housing, the flow stop configured, in a first position, to prevent a flow of a fluid through the tubing, and in a second position, to permit the flow of the fluid through the tubing, the tubing fitment comprising a protrusion configured to receive a tubing. The IV administration set also includes an electronic flow sensor disposed within the housing, the electronic flow sensor configured to measure a flow of a fluid in the tubing, and one or more conductive connections configured within the housing and configured to provide electrical power to the electronic flow sensor. The flow stop is shaped to be loaded and engaged to a receptacle of an infusion device, and shaped to cause, when loaded and engaged, the one or more conductive connections to engage with a corresponding conductive connection provided by the infusion device to activate the flow sensor based on a power flow from the infusion device.