Optical Feeding Set Alignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enteral feeding pumps face challenges in accurately delivering nutritional fluids due to misalignment of the administration feeding set, which can result in inaccurate fluid delivery or low flow alarms, and existing detection systems often require magnets on the pump set.
Innovation Solution
An enteral feeding pump system that uses a safety interlock device with an electromagnetic radiation propagation affecting member, emitting and detecting infrared radiation to ensure proper alignment and secure loading of the feeding set without the need for magnets, utilizing a control system to regulate nutrient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet-based detection system is used to detect proper loading of the feeding set, then the pump can detect whether the set is properly loaded, but each pump set requires a magnet which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnet-based mechanical detection system with an optical detection system using infrared radiation. The safety interlock device includes an infrared radiation source and detector that transmit and receive infrared signals through the feeding set tubing, eliminating the need for magnets while maintaining reliable detection of proper loading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary to detect the presence and proper positioning of the feeding set. The infrared source and detector act as mediators that can sense the optical properties of the tubing and its contents without requiring physical tags or magnets on the feeding set
2Manufacturing precision
If the feeding set is misaligned in the pump, then the pump may deliver inaccurate amounts of fluid or generate low flow alarms, but ensuring proper alignment increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment detection mechanisms with an optical system. Infrared radiation passes through the tubing at specific angles, and the detector receives the radiation only when the feeding set is properly aligned, providing simple and reliable alignment verification without complex mechanical sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (infrared radiation transmission and reception) to detect alignment. When the feeding set is properly positioned, the infrared radiation transmitted through the tubing reaches the detector at specific intensity levels, providing a simple binary state for alignment verification
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
Ensures accurate and reliable delivery of nutritional fluids by confirming proper alignment of the feeding set, preventing misalignment issues and reducing false alarms, while eliminating the need for magnets in the pump set.
Implementation Method 1
A source of electromagnetic radiation operatively connected to the control system of the pump emits electromagnetic radiation in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system and arranged for receiving said electromagnetic radiation when its propagation from the source of electromagnetic radiation is affected by the safety interlock device.
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnetic radiation is of a wavelength selected so that the safety interlock device can affect the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An enteral feeding pump and feeding set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The enteral feeding pump has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source operatively connected to the control system of the enteral feeding pump emits an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the enteral feeding pump.