Multi-Specialty Fluid Pump With Automatic Cassette Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid pump systems for surgical operations are limited by the need for multiple specialized pumps for different surgical specialties, lacking a modular system that can adapt to various fluid pumping needs based on interchangeable cassettes.

Innovation Solution

A modular fluid pump system with a universal pump console that recognizes interchangeable pump cassettes through sensors, adjusting motor parameters like speed, direction, and timing based on the cassette identifier to provide the appropriate pumping mechanism for different surgical specialties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized pump systems are used for different surgical specialties, then each specialty receives appropriate fluid handling, but the number of pump consoles increases and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump specialty compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of pump consoles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump console is designed with a universal interface that can accept different types of pump cassettes (centrifugal, peristaltic, syringe pumps) through a standardized coupling mechanism. The console automatically detects the cassette type via sensors and adjusts operating parameters accordingly, enabling one console to perform multiple surgical pumping functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system is divided into two independent modules: a reusable pump console and disposable pump cassettes. The cassette contains the specialty-specific pumping mechanism while the console provides universal control. This segmentation allows the console to remain simple while the cassettes provide specialty functionality.

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 of cassette types with automated sensor detection. Hall Effect sensors detect magnetic identifiers on cassettes, and RFID sensors read electronic tags, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing detection errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A cassette identifier (magnetic or electronic tag) serves as an intermediary between the physical cassette and the console's detection system. This identifier carries information about the cassette type, allowing the sensor to automatically recognize and configure the appropriate pumping parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the pump console automatically adjusts motor parameters based on cassette identifier, then setup time is reduced, but the sensor detection system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating room turnover timeVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor detection and motor parameter adjustment occur automatically as soon as the cassette is inserted, before the surgeon begins the procedure. The system pre-configures all pumping parameters based on cassette identification, eliminating setup time during the actual surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the cassette type and adjusting its own operating parameters without requiring manual intervention. The microcontroller reads the cassette identifier and autonomously selects the appropriate motor speed, direction, and pumping mode.

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 a single pump console to support multiple surgical specialties by adapting to different pump cassettes, reducing the number of consoles needed in an operating room while ensuring appropriate fluid handling for each specialty.

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:

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

PatentUS12403236B2Modular, multi-specialty fluid pump

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 STRYKER CORP

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.