Optical Reservoir Volume Control for Perfusion Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level sensors in perfusion systems are inadequate for continuous monitoring and volume control in blood reservoirs, especially in neonatal cases, as they are often too large and unable to provide continuous monitoring over the whole reservoir volume, and lack the capability to translate measured levels into volumes.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device is used to monitor and control the fluid level in a perfusion system by providing a graphical user interface that allows users to set desired fluid levels, with the system automatically adjusting venous clamps, vacuum regulators, or arterial pumps to maintain the desired volume, using optical sensors or cameras to obtain and process image data for precise volume determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional level sensors are used in small reservoirs, then the reservoir can be monitored, but the sensors are too large for very small reservoirs and cannot provide continuous monitoring over the whole reservoir volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical level sensors with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the reservoir, and image processing algorithms determine fluid levels and volumes. This substitution allows the system to monitor very small reservoirs without the size constraints of physical sensors, providing continuous monitoring capability across the entire reservoir volume through digital image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If conventional level sensors are used, then single point level detection is achieved, but the capability to provide continuous monitoring over the whole reservoir volume and translate levels into volumes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point-level detection to three-dimensional volumetric monitoring. The imaging device captures two-dimensional images that are processed to extract three-dimensional information about fluid volume and level distribution throughout the entire reservoir. This dimensional expansion enables continuous monitoring coverage and automatic volume calculation from level measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the reservoir interior through imaging. The camera captures visual information that is processed into a digital representation, allowing the system to analyze and measure fluid levels and volumes without physical contact with the fluid. This copying approach enables comprehensive monitoring of the entire reservoir volume while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If manual visual control of reservoir level is used, then the perfusionist can monitor the reservoir, but constant attention and manual intervention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the imaging device continuously monitors the reservoir and the control unit automatically adjusts fluid levels based on image analysis. The system serves itself by detecting level changes and triggering appropriate responses without requiring constant perfusionist intervention. This reduces the time burden on the perfusionist while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system. The imaging device continuously captures reservoir images, the processing unit analyzes fluid levels, and the system automatically adjusts venous clamps or arterial pumps to maintain desired levels. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for constant manual monitoring while keeping the system easy to operate through automated regulation.
4Reliability
If conventional level sensors are used, then emergency shut off can be triggered, but continuous monitoring and automatic volume control are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring through imaging. The camera continuously captures reservoir images, and the control unit processes these images to detect fluid level changes in real-time. When levels approach critical thresholds, the system automatically triggers emergency shut-off or adjusts control elements. This feedback loop provides both reliable emergency protection and automatic volume control, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces discrete mechanical level sensors with a continuous optical monitoring system. The imaging device provides uninterrupted visual feedback, enabling the control unit to continuously assess reservoir volume and automatically adjust control elements. This substitution enhances reliability by providing continuous monitoring rather than discrete sensor readings and achieves automatic volume control through digital image processing and automated actuation.
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 enables continuous and precise monitoring and control of fluid levels in perfusion systems, reducing the need for constant manual intervention and improving safety by preventing reservoir overflow or emptying, while being adaptable to various reservoir shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (e.g., optical sensor, camera, etc.) configured to reproduce an image and/or shape of the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A perfusion system includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold a portion of fluid, the portion of fluid having a volume, the fluid reservoir having a total capacity that is greater than the volume; an imaging device, the imaging device configured to obtain image data corresponding to the fluid reservoir; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the image data from the imaging device; determine the volume based on the image data; and facilitate control, in response to at least one of a user input and the determined volume of the portion of fluid, of an operating parameter corresponding to the fluid reservoir to facilitate changing or maintaining the volume of the portion of the fluid.