IV Flow Stop With Integrated Sensing for Closed-Loop Infusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling fluid flow rates during infusion processes, leading to potential over-infusion or under-infusion of therapeutic fluids due to variations between the target flow rate and actual flow rate through IV administration sets.
Innovation Solution
An integrated IV administration set with electronic flow sensing and closed-loop control circuitry is introduced, featuring a flow stop mechanism that can adjust the flow rate and alert users to deviations, ensuring precise fluid delivery by interfacing with infusion devices and providing real-time data for closed-loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional IV administration sets without sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of fluid flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow sensor, control circuitry, and flow stop mechanism directly into the IV administration set, merging previously separate components (pump, sensor, tubing) into an integrated unit. This enables precise flow measurement and control at the point of fluid delivery without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
2Measurement precision
If electronic flow sensing and control circuitry are integrated into IV administration sets, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IV administration set performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of fluid flow through integrated sensors and control circuitry. The system automatically detects flow rate deviations and adjusts the flow stop mechanism without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual intervention, enabling the disposable set to independently manage flow control functions.
3Reliability
If closed loop flow control is implemented, then reliability of fluid delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring actual fluid flow rate through integrated sensors and comparing it against the prescribed flow rate. When deviations are detected, the control circuitry automatically adjusts the flow stop mechanism to correct the flow rate, ensuring reliable and accurate fluid delivery throughout the infusion process.
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.