Occlusion Detection in Infusion Tubes via Differential Wall Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid delivery systems fail to reliably detect partial and full occlusions in infusion tubes, are not sensitive enough, and are often expensive and bulky, leading to potential life-threatening hazards due to delayed detection.
Innovation Solution
A portable, low-cost fluid delivery device with an occlusion detection system that uses pressure sensors, optical devices, or capacitance measurements to detect radial expansion or pressure changes in the infusion tube, allowing for early detection of occlusions through a combination of reusable and disposable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional occlusion detection systems are used, then occlusion detection capability is provided, but the systems are not sensitive enough to detect partial occlusions and require long lag time before alarming
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery tube is divided into multiple sections with different wall thicknesses - a first section with a first wall thickness and a second section with a second wall thickness that is less than the first wall thickness. This segmentation allows the thinner second section to expand more readily under pressure, enabling detection of partial occlusions that would be missed by conventional uniform-thickness tube detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
A specific local region of the tube (the second section) is designed with different properties - specifically thinner wall thickness - to be more sensitive to pressure changes. This local quality change enables the detection system to sense partial occlusions earlier and more accurately without requiring the entire tube to be sensitive.
2Reliability
If conventional occlusion detection systems are used, then occlusion detection is provided, but the systems are expensive to produce and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The tube itself serves as the detection element through its varied wall thickness design. The thinner second section naturally expands more under pressure, providing self-detection capability without requiring complex external sensors or bulky detection systems. This eliminates the need for expensive separate detection apparatus while maintaining reliable occlusion detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery tube performs multiple functions: it delivers fluid to the patient and simultaneously serves as the occlusion detection mechanism through its differential wall thickness sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection systems, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining detection reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform wall thickness tube is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but occlusion detection sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing the entire tube with uniform properties, a specific local section (the second section) is manufactured with different wall thickness. This localized variation provides the necessary detection sensitivity while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple and cost-effective.
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
The system effectively and accurately detects occlusions in real-time, reducing the risk of hazardous events by providing immediate alerts and ensuring reliable fluid delivery, while being more economical and compact compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A portable, low-cost fluid delivery device with an occlusion detection system that uses pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
uses pressure sensors, optical devices, or capacitance measurements to detect radial expansion or pressure changes in the infusion tube
Implementation Method 3
uses pressure sensors, optical devices, or capacitance measurements to detect radial expansion or pressure changes in the infusion tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~4C
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an occlusion in a fluid delivery device are disclosed. The system includes a fluid delivery tube, an occlusion detection sensor configured to be coupled to the fluid delivery tube and further configured to detect occlusion within the fluid delivery tube. The fluid delivery tube includes an occlusion detection portion. The occlusion detection sensor is further configured to detect alteration of a shape of the occlusion detection portion when at least one condition occurs within the fluid delivery tube.