Optical Detection Device for Medical Fluid Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection devices for fluids in medical devices, such as dialysis devices, require complex setups and high computing power for self-testing, which increases space and cost requirements.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection device with a single measuring light axis and a simplified structure, where a test light sensor and test light source are arranged to perform self-testing without needing to radiate light through the fluid-filled line section, reducing the need for complex mirrors and redundant channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a reference light detector is arranged on the same side as the light source to perform self-test, then the device can perform automatic self-testing, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the self-test functionality with the existing measuring light source and sensor by using the measuring light source as the test light source and the test light sensor as a reference light detector. This merging eliminates the need for separate test components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automatic self-testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring light source is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both the primary measuring light source for fluid detection and as the test light source for self-testing the optical detection device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Extent of automation
If light is radiated through the fluid-filled line section for self-testing, then the self-test can be performed, but the installation space and computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the self-test function from the main measuring path by arranging the test light sensor on the same side as the measuring light source, allowing it to detect light without passing through the fluid-filled line section. This separation enables self-testing while reducing the computational complexity and space requirements associated with processing light transmission data through the fluid.
3Reliability
If redundant channels with multiple light sources and sensors are used, then operational reliability is ensured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection device performs self-diagnosis and self-testing using its own components. The test light sensor detects light from the measuring light source to verify its functionality, and the measuring light sensor detects light from the test light source to verify its functionality. This self-service capability ensures operational reliability without requiring redundant external testing equipment or complex calibration systems.
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
This solution reduces the installation space and computing power required for self-testing, simplifies signal evaluation, and lowers costs while maintaining clear measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring light source (6) and a measuring light sensor (10) with a measuring light region (18) extending from the measuring light source (6) to the measuring light sensor (10) along a measuring light axis (16) for the optical detection of a fluid (2) conveyed in a light-permeable conduit section (1)
Implementation Method 2
a test light sensor (8) arranged on a first side (3) of the line section (1), which can be brought into optical connection with the measuring light source (6), in order to enable a self-test of the measuring light source (6)
Implementation Method 3
a test light source (12) arranged on a second side (4) of the line section (1), which can be brought into optical connection with the measuring light sensor (10), in order to enable a self-test of the measuring light sensor (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed are an optical detection device and an arrangement comprising such an optical detection device and a transparent conduit section (1) in which a fluid (2) is guided. The detection device has exactly one measuring light source (6) and exactly one measuring light sensor (10), wherein a measuring light area (18) extends from the measuring light source (6) to the measuring light sensor (10) along a measuring light axis (16). For a self-test or functional test, a test light sensor (8) is arranged adjacent to the measuring light source (6), which can be brought into optical contact with the measuring light source (6), and a test light source (12) is arranged adjacent to the measuring light sensor (10), which can be brought into optical contact with the measuring light sensor (10).