IV Line Temperature Sensor with Thermal Conductor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing devices for intravenous fluid lines are limited in their ability to accurately measure and control fluid temperature at various locations along the line, often requiring specific mounting and leading to inaccuracies or sterility issues, and lack display capabilities for operators, increasing the risk of patient injury.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing device that can be securely attached to any point along an IV line, featuring a temperature sensor coupled with a display and control mechanism to monitor and regulate fluid temperature, including a valve to ensure the fluid reaches a safe temperature before infusion, while maintaining sterility and allowing for reusable sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is directly inserted into the IV fluid line to measure fluid temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but sterility is compromised and the sensor becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal conductor as an intermediary element that physically contacts the IV fluid to sense its temperature, while the temperature sensor itself remains isolated from direct fluid contact. The thermal conductor acts as a mediator that transfers thermal energy from the fluid to the sensor without compromising sterility, thereby maintaining both measurement accuracy and fluid sterility.
2Reliability
If a temperature control device is installed in the IV fluid line to regulate fluid temperature, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function and temperature control function into a single integrated device. The control valve is integrated with the temperature sensor and thermal conductor assembly, allowing the system to both measure fluid temperature and regulate it through a unified structure rather than separate components, thereby improving patient safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a valve is added to control fluid flow based on temperature to ensure safe infusion, then patient safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors IV fluid temperature and automatically controls the valve to maintain safe temperature ranges without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the sensed temperature information to automatically adjust fluid flow, thereby improving patient safety while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the temperature sensor is made reusable to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thermal conductor as a disposable intermediary component that is discarded after single use, while the expensive temperature sensor itself is reusable. The thermal conductor maintains sterility by being disposed of after one use, preventing contamination, while the sensor can be reused multiple times without direct fluid contact, thereby achieving both cost reduction through reusability and reliability through sterility maintenance.
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
The device provides accurate and reliable temperature monitoring and control at any desired location on the IV line, ensuring safe fluid temperatures for patients and maintaining sterility, thus reducing the risk of injury and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductor that contacts the IV fluid to sense its temperature
Implementation Method 2
a valve that controls the flow of IV fluid through the fluid passage
Data Source
AI summary
A device according to present invention embodiments measures the temperature of fluid within an IV line at selected locations. The device may be in the form of a fitting including a projection in fluid communication with a fluid channel to receive a temperature sensor. A thermally conductive receptacle may be disposed in the projection to receive the temperature sensor and partially extends into the fluid channel for contact with the fluid. The temperature sensor may be coupled to a temperature display device and/or controller to display the measured temperature and/or control a thermal element to regulate fluid temperature. The fitting may further include a looped configuration and/or a control valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid channel. In addition, the device may further be connected to, or be in the form of, a needle hub to measure fluid temperature proximate the entry site on a patient.