IV Infusion Flow Sequencing With Sensor-Guided Bag Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous infusion systems require manual adjustment of IV medication bag heights to achieve proper flow rates and sequences, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to potential severe medical outcomes if flow sequencing reverses.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and actuators that automatically control the flow and positioning of IV fluid sources, using a valve manifold and processor to ensure accurate sequential delivery of therapeutic compositions by adjusting fluid communication paths based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of IV medication bag heights is performed to achieve proper flow rate and sequence, then flow biasing can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect fluid levels and flow conditions, processors calculate required adjustments, and actuators automatically position the medication bag relative to the saline bag, eliminating manual height adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated feedback control. Sensors continuously monitor fluid levels and flow rates, and the control system automatically adjusts bag heights to maintain proper flow sequencing without requiring clinician intervention throughout the infusion process.
2Reliability
If manual height adjustment is performed, then initial flow biasing can be achieved, but head pressure continuously changes during infusion causing flow rate to deviate from prescribed parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback control where sensors monitor fluid levels, head pressure, and flow rates throughout the infusion. The processor receives this data and continuously adjusts actuator positions to maintain the medication bag at the optimal height, ensuring flow rate remains accurate despite changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static manual height setting to dynamic automated adjustment. The medication bag position is continuously modified in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt to changing infusion conditions and maintain prescribed flow rates throughout the entire infusion process.
3Measurement precision
If check valves and roller/variable pinch valves are used to bias flow dynamics, then flow sequencing can be controlled, but the system complexity increases and accuracy is still compromised by pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve systems with a simplified electronic control approach. Instead of using multiple check valves and roller pinch valves to control flow sequencing, the system uses sensors to detect fluid levels and an actuator to position the medication bag, achieving more precise control with fewer moving parts.
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 highly accurate and automated delivery of therapeutic compositions, maintaining consistent flow rates and sequences, reducing the risk of medical errors.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor) that detects a fluid level in the IV bag
Implementation Method 2
an actuator that adjusts a height of the IV bag
Implementation Method 3
the processor determines a position of the IV bag that maintains a flow rate of a fluid from the IV bag
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system for sequential delivery of therapeutic compositions, including a first fluid source and a second fluid source, one or more first sensors associated with each of the first fluid source and the second fluid source, an actuator-actuated valve, and a processor in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the processor is programmed or configured to control, based on data received from the one or more sensors, the actuator-actuated valve to stop and/or cause delivery of therapeutic compositions from the fluid sources.