IV Flow Stop With Integrated Sensing for Closed-Loop Infusion 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 during infusion processes, leading to issues such as over-infusion and under-infusion.
Innovation Solution
An integrated IV administration set with electronic flow sensing and closed-loop flow control circuitry, including a flow stop mechanism, is coupled to infusion devices to monitor and adjust fluid flow rates accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional infusion pumps are used without integrated sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of flow rate monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor, control circuitry, and flow stop mechanism into an integrated IV administration set that couples with the infusion pump. This merging of sensing and control functions into a unified system resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through integrated electronics while managing complexity through modular design where the sensor module can be attached to existing pump systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The IV administration set acts as an intermediary component between the infusion pump and the patient. It includes an electronic flow sensor that measures actual flow rate and a flow stop that can adjust flow, serving as a mediator that enhances monitoring precision without requiring complete redesign of the pump system itself.
2Productivity
If manual flow monitoring is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and reliability of infusion control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the electronic flow sensor continuously monitors actual flow rate and compares it to the prescribed flow rate. The control circuitry automatically adjusts the flow stop position based on this feedback to maintain accurate flow delivery, significantly improving infusion control efficiency and reliability compared to manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of flow rates. The electronic flow sensor and control circuitry work autonomously to detect flow variations and modify flow stop positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby enhancing productivity while managing complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If simple flow stop mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical flow adjustment mechanisms with an integrated system that uses electronic sensing and electronically controlled flow stop adjustment. The electronic flow sensor provides precise measurement, and the electronic control circuitry automatically positions the flow stop with high accuracy, achieving superior flow control reliability while the automated operation maintains ease of use by eliminating manual calibration requirements.
Data Source
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.