IV Pole Infusion System Modular Power and Control Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infusion systems face reliability and maintenance challenges due to the integration of power, control, and communication devices with the pump, leading to single points of failure and stability issues, particularly when attached to wheeled IV poles.

Innovation Solution

The system separates power, control, and communication devices from the pump and attaches them to the IV pole's bottom portion, with a conduit connecting these components, allowing for redundant systems and improved stability by distributing weight and reducing the risk of tipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power, control, and communication devices are integrated with the pump device, then the system structure is simplified, but single points of failure increase and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: pump device, power supply device, control device, and communication device. Each module can be independently attached to the IV pole at different locations, eliminating single points of failure while maintaining structural organization through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If all system functions are contained in one device, then device integration is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integrationVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system is segmented into separate attachable modules (pump, power supply, control, communication) that can be independently accessed, removed, and maintained. This modular architecture allows technicians to service individual components without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Critical functions (power supply, control, communication) are extracted from the pump device and implemented as separate attachable units on the IV pole, allowing independent maintenance and replacement of these functions without servicing the pump itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If power, control, and communication devices are attached to the upper portion of the IV pole with the pump, then the system is compact, but the risk of tipping increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem footprintVSAvoidtipping risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (all devices on upper portion) to a distributed spatial arrangement along the IV pole length. Devices are attached at different vertical positions, with heavier components like power supply placed lower to optimize the center of gravity and reduce tipping risk while maintaining a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3183696B1Intravenous pole integrated power, control, and communication system and method for an infusion pump
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 ICU MEDICAL INC
  • EP3183696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183696B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An infusion system includes an intravenous pole, a pump device, a power supply device, a computer processing device, and conduit. The intravenous pole includes a bottom portion adjacent a bottom end, an upper portion adjacent a top end, and a hollow shaft. The pump device is attached to the upper portion of the intravenous pole. The power supply device is attached to the bottom portion of the intravenous pole. The computer processing device is attached to the bottom portion of the intravenous pole. The conduit extends within the hollow shaft of the intravenous pole. The conduit connects the pump device, the power supply device, and the computer processing device.