Modular Fluid Pump Console With Automatic Cassette Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid pump systems for surgical operations are limited by the need for multiple specialized consoles for different surgical specialties, lacking a modular system that can adapt to various pump cassette types for combined use.

Innovation Solution

A modular fluid pump system with a universal console that identifies and adjusts operating parameters based on interchangeable pump cassettes, using sensors like Hall Effect or RFID to determine the cassette type and adjust motor settings, allowing for interchangeable cassettes that define the pump mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized pump consoles are used for different surgical specialties, then each specialty has appropriate pump functionality, but the number of pump consoles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump specialty coverageVSAvoidnumber of pump consoles
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump console is designed with a universal motor that can support multiple pump cassette types through automatic detection and parameter adjustment. The sensor detects the cassette identifier and the system automatically adjusts motor operating parameters, enabling one console to perform multiple surgical specialties including laparoscopic irrigation, endoscope cleaning, and other pump functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system is divided into modular components: a universal pump console and interchangeable pump cassettes. Each cassette is designed for a specific surgical specialty but all can be used with the same console. The sensor and motor parameter adjustment mechanism enable the console to adapt to different cassette types, reducing the need for multiple dedicated consoles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a universal pump console is used for multiple specialties, then the number of consoles is reduced, but the system must accurately identify and adapt to different cassette types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of pump consolesVSAvoidcassette identifier detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual identification and configuration with automatic sensor-based detection. A sensor (such as a Hall Effect sensor or RFID sensor) automatically detects the cassette identifier when the cassette is attached, and the system automatically adjusts motor parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A sensor acts as an intermediary between the pump cassette and the pump console control system. The sensor detects the cassette identifier and transmits this information to the control system, which then automatically adjusts the motor operating parameters. This intermediary enables automatic adaptation without requiring direct complex communication between the cassette and console.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the pump console automatically adjusts motor parameters based on cassette detection, then ease of operation is improved, but the system requires additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic parameter adjustmentVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic parameter adjustment immediately upon cassette attachment, before the user needs to operate the pump. The sensor detects the cassette identifier as soon as the cassette is connected, and the control system pre-adjusts all motor parameters automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration and ensuring the pump is ready for immediate use with optimal settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the cassette type and adjusting its own motor parameters without external intervention. The sensor and control system work together to enable the pump to serve itself, automatically adapting to different cassette types and eliminating the need for user programming or manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 consolidation of fluid pump consoles in operating rooms while providing appropriate solutions for multiple surgical specialties, enhancing flexibility and efficiency by allowing interchangeable cassettes to determine pump mechanism type.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor and the cassette identifier is a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

the sensor is an RFID sensor and the cassette identifier is an RFID tag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification):

Implementation Method 3

the pump cassette is a centrifugal pump cassette comprising an impeller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 4

the pump cassette is a peristaltic pump cassette comprising a plurality of rollers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentEP4157387B1Modular, multi-specialty fluid pump
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 STRYKER CORP
  • EP4157387B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4157387B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4157387B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a modular, multi-specialty pump system. The pump system includes a pump console with a motor and a sensor and a removable pump cassette attached to the pump console. The pump cassette includes a cassette identifier and the sensor can detect the cassette identifier and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor depending on the detected cassette identifier of the pump cassette.