Infrared Pump Set Loading Detection via IR-Transmissive Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump sets for fluid delivery to patients often require magnetic detection systems, which can be inconvenient and may not function accurately if the pump set is misaligned, leading to inaccurate fluid delivery or low flow alarms.
Innovation Solution
A pump set with an infrared radiation detector and a safety interlock member made of a material that transmits infrared radiation but blocks visible light, allowing for proper loading indication without the need for magnets, using materials like dehydrochlorinated polyvinyl chloride or colorant-free plastics that form visible-light-absorbing polyenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic detection systems are used to detect pump set loading, then the detection function is provided, but the system complexity increases and alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic detection systems with an optical detection system using infrared radiation. The safety interlock member made of IR-transmissive material interacts with infrared radiation from an emitter to produce a detectable signal, eliminating the need for magnets and magnetic sensors. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable detection of pump set loading status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of materials by making the safety interlock member transparent to infrared radiation while opaque to visible light. This selective transparency allows the infrared emitter's signal to pass through the safety interlock member when properly loaded, creating a detectable optical signal without requiring complex magnetic components.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic detection systems are used, then detection is possible, but alignment precision requirements increase leading to misalignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system using infrared radiation is less sensitive to alignment variations compared to magnetic detection. The infrared emitter and detector can tolerate greater positional variations while still detecting the presence of the safety interlock member, reducing the stringency of alignment precision requirements during manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field interaction to optical radiation transmission. This parameter change allows for more tolerant alignment specifications because infrared radiation can penetrate the safety interlock member effectively over a wider range of positions, reducing the impact of misalignment on detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If infrared-transmissive materials are used for the safety interlock member, then the detection accuracy improves, but the material selection constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the property of infrared transmission specifically to the safety interlock member while allowing other parts of the pump set to use different materials. This localized application of material properties enables the detection function to work effectively without requiring all components to be made from specialized IR-transmissive materials, thus maintaining overall material selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety interlock member can be constructed from composite materials or plastics with specific optical properties that allow infrared transmission. By using composite materials or specially formulated plastics, the patent achieves the required infrared transparency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and cost-effectiveness, balancing detection accuracy with material selection flexibility.
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
Ensures accurate fluid delivery by providing a reliable indication of proper loading, reducing the risk of misalignment errors and eliminating the need for magnetic detection systems, thus enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a safety interlock member which is carried by the conduit, formed of a compositionally homogeneous material which transmits infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
blocks visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A pump set for use in a liquid delivery pump of the type for delivering liquid to a patient, having an infrared radiation detector for detecting infrared radiation, and providing an indication that the pump set is properly loaded on the pump. The pump set comprises a conduit for the liquid and a safety interlock member which is carried by the conduit. The safety interlock member is formed of a material that transmits infrared radiation and blocks visible light.