Closed-Loop Medical Fluid Transfer for Precise Volume Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer devices and methods in the medical field face challenges such as high cost, low efficiency, intensive labor demands, and excessive fluid or vapor leakage, particularly in transferring precise amounts of medical fluids between containers.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid transfer system with a pump, tube assembly, destination sensor, and control system that adjusts operational settings based on measurement data to achieve precise fluid transfer, minimizing exposure to ambient air and reducing leakage by using a peristaltic pump with a rotor and compressible hoses, and incorporating a user interface and communication interfaces for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current fluid transfer devices are used, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but fluid or vapor leakage occurs excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains a closed environment throughout the fluid transfer process, preventing fluid or vapor from contacting ambient air. The source container, transfer mechanism, and target container form a sealed system that isolates the fluid from the external environment, thereby eliminating leakage hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled transfer mechanism serves as an intermediary between the source and target containers. This intermediary system manages the fluid transfer in a controlled manner, preventing direct exposure and potential leakage that would occur with manual or open transfer methods.
2Quantity of substance
If current fluid transfer methods are used, then fluid transfer can be performed, but precise amount transfer is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor the transfer process and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments to ensure the precise transfer of the desired fluid amount, overcoming the imprecision of manual or conventional transfer methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or simple mechanical transfer methods with an automated system that uses sensors, controllers, and programmed mechanisms. This substitution enables precise control over the transfer amount through electronic control rather than mechanical estimation or manual operation.
3Productivity
If current fluid transfer devices are used, then fluid transfer can be accomplished, but labor intensity is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform fluid transfer operations autonomously without requiring intensive manual intervention. The automated mechanisms, including the pump, sensors, and control system, enable the device to service itself and complete the transfer process with minimal human involvement, thereby reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous fluid transfer operations through automated mechanisms that can operate without interruption. The pump and control system maintain continuous operation, eliminating the need for repeated manual setup and intervention that characterizes conventional transfer methods.
4Reliability
If current fluid transfer devices are used, then fluid transfer can be performed, but cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with universal components and a modular architecture that can perform multiple fluid transfer functions. The pump, sensors, and control system can handle different fluid types and transfer scenarios, reducing the need for specialized expensive equipment for each specific application.
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 system enables precise and efficient transfer of medical fluids while minimizing exposure to ambient air, reducing waste, and preventing leakage, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
using a peristaltic pump with a rotor and compressible hoses
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the transfer of medical fluid are provided. A medical fluid transfer system may comprise a pump configured to transfer fluid through a tube assembly having a first connector configured to couple to a source container and a second connector configured to couple to a target container. The medical fluid transfer system may also comprise a destination sensor configured to output information about the target container. The medical fluid transfer system may further comprise a control system configured to operate the pump based on an operational setting associated with fluid volume; receive measurement data representing a measurement of the target container by the destination sensor, and adjust the operational setting based on an observed volume of fluid transferred to the target container.