Multi-port Infusion Controller with Automatic Vial Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion methods require manual switching of medication vials, leading to increased workload and medical risks due to potential delays in adjusting infusion speed or timing, especially in busy care units where patients' conditions vary.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multi-port container assembly and liquid flow controller that automatically detects remaining medication levels and switches between vials, adjusts infusion speed based on patient pulse, and heats medication to maintain optimal temperature, reducing the burden on medical personnel and ensuring timely and safe infusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and switching of infusion vials is used, then medical personnel can directly control infusion, but work intensity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion system performs self-monitoring and self-switching operations. The detector automatically monitors liquid levels in infusion containers, and the liquid flow controller automatically switches between containers based on detected levels, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing medical personnel workload while maintaining reliable infusion control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback control through the detector that continuously monitors liquid levels and provides real-time information to the liquid flow controller. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically respond to liquid level changes and perform timely switching operations without manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual switching of infusion vials is used, then medical personnel can monitor patient conditions, but response time delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The detector continuously monitors liquid levels in advance before complete depletion occurs. When the liquid level reaches a predetermined threshold, the system proactively triggers the switching operation, ensuring timely transition to the next infusion container and preventing any interruption in medication delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with an automated electronic control system. The liquid flow controller electronically actuates the switching mechanism based on detector signals, eliminating human response time delays and achieving faster, more consistent switching operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vials are monitored manually, then different medications can be managed, but difficulty in monitoring each patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed with universal multi-functionality to monitor liquid levels across multiple different infusion containers simultaneously. The system can handle various medication types and container configurations through a single integrated detection and control platform, simplifying the monitoring of multiple patients receiving different medications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the monitoring and control functions for multiple infusion vials into a single integrated system. The detector and liquid flow controller work as unified components to manage all vials through centralized control, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate manual monitoring of each container
4Loss of time
If automated liquid level detection is implemented, then switching timing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector and liquid flow controller are designed as self-contained automatic switching units that perform monitoring and switching operations autonomously. The system self-regulates the switching process based on detected liquid levels without requiring complex external control systems, achieving fast response times while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, an apparatus, and a method for controlling infusion. The device may include a multi-port container assembly and a liquid flow controller. The multi-port container assembly includes a multi-port container having a plurality of inlets and an outlet, a detector configured to detect amount of liquid in the multi-port container, a first communication subassembly, and a first controller. The first controller may send a first signal to the liquid flow controller via the first communication subassembly in response to the detector detecting that the amount of liquid is lower than a first predetermined threshold. The liquid flow controller may turn off a first infusion tube currently used and turn on a next first infusion tube in response to receiving the first signal.