Medical Pump Optical Sensor IR Detection Ambient Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery pumps, such as peristaltic pumps, face challenges in accurately detecting compatible pump sets due to interference from ambient electromagnetic radiation, which can lead to inaccurate fluid delivery and increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electromagnetic radiation propagation affecting member within the safety interlock device that is opaque to visible light but transmissive to infrared radiation, combined with an IR emitter and detector system, allows for precise detection of the pump set's compatibility by filtering out ambient light and ensuring accurate signal reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors are used to detect compatible pump sets, then detection capability is improved, but ambient electromagnetic radiation from sun and artificial light sources interferes with accurately detecting emitted electromagnetic radiation signals
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic spectrum is segmented by using a specific wavelength (e.g., infrared) that is distinct from ambient visible light. The emitter emits at a specific wavelength, and the detector is tuned to receive only that wavelength, effectively segmenting the detection from interfering ambient radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member (lens or reflector) is positioned at a specific location within the pump housing to focus or redirect emitted electromagnetic radiation onto the detector. This localized optical path ensures that only radiation from the intended emitter reaches the detector, excluding ambient radiation from other directions.
2Measurement precision
If magnets are used in the pump set for detection, then compatibility detection is achieved, but cost and complexity of the pump set increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical magnetic detection system is replaced with an optical detection system. Instead of using magnets embedded in the pump set, the invention uses an infrared emitter and detector with an optical member, eliminating the need for magnetic components in the pump set and reducing its complexity.
3Measurement precision
If optical members (lens or reflector) are used to focus or redirect emitted electromagnetic radiation onto the detector, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical member (lens or reflector) acts as an intermediary between the emitter and detector. It focuses or redirects the emitted electromagnetic radiation onto the detector, improving signal strength and detection accuracy. This intermediary component is simple in design and integrates easily into the pump housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member can be implemented as a simple lens or reflector made from inexpensive materials, integrating into the pump housing without adding significant complexity. The optical component is designed to be compact and work within the existing pump structure.
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
This solution enables reliable detection of a properly loaded pump set, reducing errors in fluid delivery and maintaining pump operation while minimizing interference from ambient radiation, thus enhancing the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the pump system.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation propagation affecting member is constructed of a material that is opaque to visible light but transmissive to infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
the radiation propagation affecting member is constructed of a material that is opaque to visible light but transmissive to infrared radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical pump including an electromagnetic emitter and detector is provided. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength. A pump set that is compatible with the medical pump modifies the emitted electromagnetic radiation when properly installed in the pump. The detector receives electromagnetic radiation, and a filter excludes electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength. The pump monitors the filtered signal to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation corresponds to the emitted electromagnetic radiation as modified by a properly loaded, compatible pump set and determines whether a compatible pump set is properly loaded in the pump as a function thereof.