Optical Flow Meter for IV Drip Chamber Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid delivery systems, such as those used in intravenous infusion therapy, often lack precise control over fluid flow rates, especially in settings where infusion pumps are not available or practical, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid administration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow meter and valve configuration, where optical sensors monitor fluid flow in a drip chamber, and a valve is actuated to regulate flow, either manually or electronically, to maintain precise control over fluid delivery rates, with feedback mechanisms to adjust flow rates and prevent free flow or excessive flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If infusion pumps are not used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor the actual fluid flow rate by detecting drops in the drip chamber, and this information is fed back to a controller that adjusts the valve position to maintain the desired flow rate, achieving precise control without complex infusion pump machinery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infusion pump systems with a simpler system using optical sensors to detect fluid flow and electronic control to actuate the valve, substituting mechanical complexity with optical sensing and electronic regulation
2Ease of operation
If manual valve adjustment is used, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback on actual flow rate through optical detection and electronic processing, automatically adjusting the valve to maintain precision without requiring manual intervention, thus improving both precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation by automatically detecting flow conditions and adjusting the valve position without user intervention, making the system both precise and easy to operate
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors and feedback mechanisms are added, then fluid delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting drops, measuring flow rate, and providing feedback for control, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated system that improves precision without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electronic controller as an intermediary that processes optical sensor signals and actuates the valve, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving precise flow control through coordinated sensor-controller-actuator interaction
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 system ensures accurate and controlled fluid administration, preventing errors in fluid delivery rates and providing real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities, enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors monitor fluid flow in a drip chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter, and related system and method are provided. The flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, a valve, and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is operatively coupled to the coupler. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive image data therefrom and to the actuator to actuate the valve. The one or more processors are configured to estimate a flow of fluid through the drip chamber and to actuate the valve to control the flow of fluid through the drip chamber to achieve a target flow rate.