Leaf Spring Fill Level Detection for Flexible Medicine Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical infusion devices with flexible medicine reservoirs face challenges in accurately monitoring the fill level due to varying friction and lack of mechanical elements, leading to difficulties in precise medicine discharge and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a leaf spring member with a fixed and floating bearing, which changes form in response to fill level changes, allowing for precise detection of the fill level through a detector, enabling accurate monitoring without altering the reservoir's volume or adding costly electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flexible medicine reservoir is used to enable discharge of small amounts of medicine, then the precision of medicine administration is improved, but the ability to determine the remaining amount of medicine deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic element is introduced as an intermediary between the flexible reservoir wall and the detector. This magnetic element is attached to the inner surface of the reservoir and moves with the reservoir wall as the fill level changes, enabling indirect detection of the fill level without requiring direct contact between the detector and the reservoir wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical direct-contact detection system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors that would require physical contact with the flexible reservoir wall, a magnetic detector senses the position of the magnetic element through the flexible wall, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a stop surface is arranged in the flexible medicine reservoir to determine fill level, then the measurement capability is improved, but the storage volume of the reservoir deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element serves as a mediator that can be integrated into the reservoir wall structure without requiring additional internal components like stop surfaces. The magnetic element's position relative to the detector provides fill level information while occupying minimal space within the reservoir wall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution utilizes the flexible reservoir wall itself as the mounting surface for the magnetic element, integrating the measurement function into the existing flexible structure. This approach maintains the reservoir's full storage volume while enabling fill level detection through the flexible wall material.
3Measurement precision
If an electrode is arranged on the flexible medicine reservoir for capacitive detection, then the fill level measurement capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A simple magnetic element (such as a magnet or ferromagnetic material) is used instead of complex electrode assemblies. The magnetic element can be easily manufactured and attached to the reservoir wall, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective fill level detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive electrode system is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical connections, shielding, and complex signal processing circuits, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while achieving the same fill level measurement function.
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
Enables precise monitoring of the fill level in flexible medicine reservoirs, allowing for efficient medicine administration and reducing manufacturing costs by maintaining a standard reservoir design while ensuring accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A leaf spring member (3) is provided. A first section (31) of the leaf spring member (3) is mounted to a fixed bearing. A second section (32) of the leaf spring member (3) is guided by a floating bearing. The leaf spring member (3) is designed for contacting the flexible medicine reservoir (6) and for providing that changes of the fill level of the flexible medicine reservoir (6) effect changes of the form of the leaf spring member (3).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device (1) for measuring a fill level of a flexible medicine reservoir (6). The device (1) comprises a support (2) for supporting the flexible medicine reservoir (6) and a leaf spring member (3). A first section (31) of the leaf spring member (3) is mounted to a fixed bearing. A second section (32) of the leaf spring member (3) is guided by a floating bearing. The leaf spring member (3) is designed for contacting the flexible medicine reservoir (6) and for providing that changes in the fill level of the flexible medicine reservoir (6) effect changes of the form of the leaf spring member (3). A detector (5) is arranged for detecting the effected changes of the form of the leaf spring member (3) and for enabling measuring of the fill level of the flexible medicine reservoir (6).