Interchangeable Syringe Pump Assembly for Precise Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe pumps lack flexibility and reliability in administering agents to patients, particularly in terms of interchangeability between syringe and peristaltic pumps, and do not adequately address issues of plunger flange size variation and fluid delivery precision.
Innovation Solution
A syringe pump design that allows for interchangeable operation between syringe and peristaltic modes, incorporates a sliding block assembly with a cam and threaded portion for precise plunger control, includes clamping mechanisms for various plunger flange sizes, and features redundant sensors for fail-safe operation, along with a system for monitoring and verifying syringe presence and fluid characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the syringe pump uses a fixed plunger flange size, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different plunger sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism incorporates a movable jaw that can adjust its position dynamically to accommodate different plunger flange sizes. The jaw moves along the clamp body and can be positioned at multiple locations corresponding to different flange sizes, allowing the device to adapt to various syringe types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into multiple segments including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw with adjustable positioning. The movable jaw can be set to different positions to match different plunger flange sizes, enabling the single clamp structure to handle multiple flange size variations through segmented adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump uses interchangeable pump assemblies, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of pump assemblies (syringe pump or peristaltic pump). The housing includes standardized mounting features and fluid pathway connections that work with multiple pump types, allowing a single housing to perform multiple functions with different pump assemblies while maintaining consistent operation
3Reliability
If the syringe pump uses a single sensor, then the device is simple, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant sensors that provide backup detection capability before a failure occurs. If one sensor fails or provides inaccurate readings, the redundant sensor continues to monitor fluid delivery, preventing delivery errors and ensuring continuous reliable operation throughout the infusion process
4Measurement precision
If the pump monitors multiple fluid characteristics, then delivery precision is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses a multi-functional sensor assembly that can detect multiple fluid characteristics (flow rate, pressure, temperature) using integrated sensing elements. This universal monitoring approach allows the system to measure various parameters simultaneously with a single integrated system rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to the motor. The sensor senses a rotation of the motor. The controller acts to control operation of the motor and monitor the quantity of the agent delivered to the patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.