Optical IV Flow Monitoring With Tube-Deforming Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow monitoring and regulation systems in medical settings, such as intravenous infusion therapy, often lack precision and reliability, particularly in environments where traditional infusion pumps are not available, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid delivery rates.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flow meter and valve configuration that uses optical sensors to monitor fluid flow, providing feedback for real-time adjustments and alarms, and can be remotely controlled, allowing for precise regulation of fluid flow rates even without a pump, ensuring accurate and safe delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional infusion pumps are not available, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of fluid flow monitoring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical infusion pumps with an optical sensing system that uses light absorption measurements to detect and quantify fluid flow. The optical sensor system substitutes the mechanical pumping mechanism, achieving flow measurement through photodetection rather than mechanical displacement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as a mediator between the fluid flow and the detection system. By using light absorption as an intermediary mechanism, the system can indirectly measure fluid flow without requiring direct mechanical interaction, enabling precise measurement while simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to monitor fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects fluid flow rate, monitors fluid presence, and can trigger alarms or control valves. By making the optical sensing system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time feedback control is implemented, then reliability of fluid delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where optical sensors continuously monitor fluid flow and provide real-time data to a control mechanism. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of flow rates and triggers appropriate responses (such as valve control or alarms) when deviations occur, significantly improving the reliability of fluid delivery while using a streamlined control architecture.
4Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements remote control capability by creating a digital copy or representation of the control interface that can be accessed remotely. This allows operators to control and monitor the fluid delivery system from a distance without requiring physical presence at the device, improving ease of operation while using software-based solutions rather than additional hardware complexity.
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 ensures accurate and reliable fluid flow monitoring and regulation, preventing free flow conditions and exceeding flow rates, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy in various medical therapies.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor, such as an optical sensor, may be used to detect the flow of fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.