Medical Pump Tester Using Movable Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for testing fluid pumps, particularly medical pumps, are inefficient in measuring low flow rates as they require several minutes, hours, or tens of hours for bubble travel between optical sensors, limiting timely measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a signal processor unit with a central processing unit and addressable memory to detect periodic synchronization events, track bubble edges, and calculate flow characteristics by collecting data through push-pause cycles, allowing for rapid and accurate flow rate estimation in medical pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional bubble tracking with fixed optical sensors is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement time becomes excessively long at low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static optical sensor arrangement into a dynamic system where the optical sensor is mounted on a movable carriage that travels along the fluid conduit. This allows the sensor to actively track bubbles at any position along the conduit, dramatically reducing measurement time by eliminating the need to wait for bubbles to naturally drift between fixed sensor points. The dynamic positioning enables rapid data collection while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical drift-based measurement system with an active optical tracking system. Instead of relying on bubbles to mechanically drift between fixed sensors over long periods, the system uses an optically-driven movable carriage that actively追随 bubbles, substituting passive mechanical transport with active optical guidance to achieve rapid measurements.
2Productivity
If a movable carriage with optical tracking is implemented, then measurement speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable carriage is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines optical sensing, positional feedback, and motorized actuation into a single integrated unit. This universal module can perform multiple functions: detecting bubble positions, tracking their movement, providing real-time feedback to the control system, and adjusting its own position accordingly. By consolidating these functions into one module rather than separate components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the movable carriage continuously monitors bubble positions and uses this information to adjust its own movement in real-time. The control system receives positional data from the carriage and sends commands back to adjust the carriage's position and speed, optimizing the tracking process dynamically. This feedback mechanism automates the complex coordination required between multiple components, simplifying operation while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fixed optical sensors are used, then flow measurement capability is established, but measurement time becomes unacceptably long for low flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static array of fixed optical sensors with a single optical sensor mounted on a dynamically movable carriage. This dynamic sensor can rapidly reposition itself to track bubbles at any location along the fluid conduit, eliminating the time-consuming wait for bubbles to drift between fixed sensor points. The dynamic system maintains measurement precision by actively following bubbles while dramatically reducing the measurement time required for low flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the passive mechanical drift-based measurement approach with an active optical tracking system. Instead of relying on bubbles to mechanically drift through a long conduit between fixed sensors, the system uses an optically-guided movable carriage that actively追随 bubbles, replacing passive mechanical transport with active optical guidance to achieve both precision and speed.
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 and timely measurement of fluid flow rates in medical pumps, even at low flow rates, by tracking bubble edges and synchronizing flow data collection, improving measurement efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
tracking, by the signal processor unit, a travel of at least one of: the leading edge of the inserted first bubble and the trailing edge of the inserted first bubble, the tracking based on photo-detector output of a first photo-detector disposed on a controlled, translatable carriage
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of and devices for testing medical pumps via tracking induced bubble trajectories within a fluid flow conduit comprising a valve and methods of synchronized corrections of flow data estimates.