IR Flow Cell for IV Infusion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-contact monitoring of fluid flow rates in infusion therapy are complex and impractical for portable use, especially for toxic medications with narrow therapeutic ranges, due to limitations in thermal dynamics and kinematics, and existing technologies are not suitable for mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable flow cell made from a pliable conductive thermoplastic elastomer, compressed between rigid plates, with IR sensors to detect thermal profile changes, allowing for accurate measurement of low flow rates and integration with a wearable device for real-time monitoring and communication with a remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermal probes with barriers are used to measure flow rate, then measurement can be performed, but the device becomes complex and impractical for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal measurement function from complex contact-based thermal probes with multiple barriers and components, and implements it through a simplified non-contact infrared temperature sensor that measures thermal profiles of the fluid channel wall directly, eliminating the need for thermal probes, barriers, and complex contact mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thermal probe system with an optical/infrared-based non-contact temperature measurement system, substituting physical contact and thermal conduction through barriers with infrared radiation detection, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If thermal probes with thin barriers are used to maintain measurement accuracy, then flow rate can be measured, but the device requires complex construction with small dimensions that prevent probe engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the fluid channel wall itself as an intermediary medium that carries thermal information from the fluid to the non-contact infrared sensor, eliminating the need for thin barrier probes and complex contact mechanisms while maintaining measurement accuracy through the natural thermal conduction properties of the channel wall
3Weight of moving object
If non-contact thermal measurement is implemented, then portability is improved, but thermal dynamics and kinematics complexities limit measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the thermal profile along the fluid channel and using this thermal information to determine flow rate, where the thermal profile serves as feedback signal that reflects the interplay of thermal dynamics and kinematics, enabling accurate flow rate determination through non-contact measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct thermal contact through probes to non-contact infrared detection of thermal profile characteristics, measuring temperature distribution along the channel rather than point-contact temperature, thereby achieving both portability and accuracy by capturing thermal dynamics through spatial temperature variations
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
Enables accurate measurement of flow rates as low as 1.0 mL/Hr with high precision and rapid response, providing real-time infusion management and patient safety features, including alerts for adverse situations, through a compact and low-power ambulatory device.
Implementation Method 1
The activation of the heat pulse can be initiated by barcode encrypted onto the Flow Cell that would be read as the Flow Cell is swiped onto the slot provided in the Flow Detection Unit.
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of opening allows the detection of infrared (IR) emission from the surface of the pliable tube
Implementation Method 3
The impact of thermal dynamics and kinematics resulting from the interplay of thermal coefficient, thermal mass, heat loss due to emissivity and conduction of heat along the channel carrying conduit
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of determining a flow rate in an intravenous fluid delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid delivery channel forms a segment of the intravenous infusion system. An input thermal signal is emitted into a source location of a fluid delivery channel at an emitting instant. A first output thermal signal is received from a first sensor location of the fluid delivery channel at a first receiving instant. The first sensor location is positioned with a first interval downstream from the source location. The input thermal signal, the first output thermal signal, the emitting instant, the first receiving instant and the first interval define a first measured thermal profile. The first measured thermal profile is matched with a reference thermal profile which corresponds to a reference value, and the flow rate can be determined.