Optical Pump Set Loading Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumping apparatuses for delivering fluids to patients often require a magnet on the pump set for secure loading detection, which is not universally applicable and can lead to inaccurate fluid delivery if the pump set is misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A pumping apparatus with a safety interlock device that uses an infrared emitter and detector to ensure proper loading of the pump set by emitting and detecting infrared radiation, allowing for secure operation without the need for a magnet, and incorporating a visible light detector to prevent operation if the safety interlock device is not correctly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used on the pump set for secure loading detection, then the detection capability is provided, but the universal applicability is reduced and accurate fluid delivery is compromised when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic detection system with an optical detection system using infrared emitters and detectors. This substitution eliminates the need for magnets on pump sets, improving universal applicability while maintaining reliable detection capability through optical alignment verification between the pump set and pump housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared-transparent material as an intermediary between the infrared emitter and detector. This material allows infrared radiation to pass through when the pump set is correctly positioned, providing a reliable detection mechanism that works universally across different pump sets without requiring magnetic components.
2Reliability
If a magnet-based detection system is used, then detection capability is achieved, but misalignment errors occur leading to inaccurate fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based detection with optical field-based detection using infrared emitters and detectors. This provides more precise alignment verification through optical line-of-sight requirements, ensuring that the pump set is correctly positioned relative to the pump housing before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment verification through the infrared detection system before the pump begins operation. The system checks for correct positioning of the pump set relative to the housing, preventing misalignment-related errors before they can affect fluid delivery accuracy.
3Reliability
If infrared emitter and detector are used for secure loading detection, then proper alignment is reliably detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the infrared emitter and detector into the pump housing structure, where they serve multiple functions: detecting pump set presence, verifying correct alignment, and preventing operation when misaligned. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared-transparent material as an intermediary component that simplifies the detection mechanism. This material passively transmits infrared radiation when the pump set is correctly positioned, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches or electrical contacts while providing reliable alignment detection.
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 secure fluid delivery by reliably detecting the proper alignment of the pump set, preventing misalignment-related errors and allowing for operation only when the set is correctly loaded, thus enhancing patient safety and pump efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared emitter is positioned in the housing for emitting infrared radiation and an infrared detector is positioned in the housing for detecting the infrared radiation
Implementation Method 2
a visible light detector is positioned in the housing for detecting visible light
Data Source
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AI summary
A pumping apparatus and pump 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 pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device being 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 feeding pump.