Peristaltic Infusion Pump With Acoustic Flow and Pressure Sensing

The patent replaces mechanical flow measurement methods with acoustic field-based measurement. Acoustic sensors detect fluid flow by measuring acoustic signals generated by the fluid itself, eliminating the need for mechanical flow sensors that interfere with fluid isolation. This substitution maintains reliable fluid isolation while achieving accurate flow estimation through non-intrusive acoustic detection.

The patent introduces acoustic fields as an intermediary between the fluid and the measurement system. Instead of directly mechanically measuring flow, the system uses acoustic signals as a mediator to infer flow characteristics. The acoustic sensors detect acoustic waves generated by fluid motion, providing flow information without direct mechanical contact that would compromise fluid isolation reliability.

The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensing with acoustic field-based pressure estimation. Acoustic sensors detect pressure variations through acoustic wave propagation in the fluid, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure transducers that would compromise fluid containment. This allows accurate pressure measurement while maintaining reliable fluid containment through non-intrusive acoustic detection.

The patent uses acoustic fields as an intermediary to measure pressure without direct mechanical contact. Acoustic waves serve as a mediator that carries pressure information through the fluid, allowing the system to infer pressure characteristics while maintaining fluid containment integrity. The acoustic sensors detect pressure variations through the acoustic medium rather than direct mechanical sensing.

The patent integrates RFID authorization functionality into existing peristaltic pump components, making them multi-functional. The RFID readers are incorporated into the pump's control system, allowing the same hardware to perform both pump control and authorization verification. This multi-functionality approach adds security without proportionally increasing complexity, as existing components serve dual purposes.

The RFID authorization system operates autonomously by automatically reading and verifying RFID tags when fluid containers are placed in the pump. The system self-verifies authorization without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while enhancing security. The automated detection and verification process integrates seamlessly into the pump's existing control routines.

The patent designs the acoustic sensor system to serve multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The same acoustic sensors detect both fluid flow characteristics and pressure variations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for both flow and pressure.

The patent combines flow measurement and pressure measurement capabilities into a unified acoustic sensing system. By merging the measurement functions into a single integrated approach, the system reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall architecture. The acoustic field serves as a common medium for detecting both parameters, consolidating what would traditionally require separate sensor systems.