Peristaltic Pump Occlusion Detection via Electrical Conductivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extracorporeal blood treatment apparatuses face challenges in reliably detecting blockages in hose lines during peristaltic pump operation, which can lead to fluid flow interruptions and potential damage to blood, as conventional methods like pressure monitoring are insufficient for detecting occlusion removal.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves monitoring the electrical resistance or conductivity of the fluid in the hose line using electrodes placed upstream and downstream of the occlusion elements, allowing for detection of changes in electrical resistance or conductivity to determine if the occlusion elements are properly engaged, thereby ensuring correct pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure monitoring is used to detect blockages in hose lines, then the system can detect high pressure conditions, but it cannot reliably detect when occlusion elements are removed due to pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure monitoring system with an electrical conductivity monitoring system. Instead of relying on pressure sensors to detect blockages, the system uses electrodes that measure the electrical conductivity of the fluid in the hose line. When occlusion elements are properly engaged, the fluid path is constrained and conductivity between electrodes is limited. When occlusion elements are removed due to overpressure, the fluid path changes and conductivity increases, providing a reliable electrical signal that the blockage has occurred.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical conductivity as an intermediary parameter to detect occlusion events. Rather than directly measuring pressure or mechanical occlusion state, the system measures the electrical conductivity of the fluid between two electrodes. This intermediary measurement provides indirect but reliable information about the occlusion state, allowing the system to detect when occlusion elements are removed without directly monitoring pressure changes.
2Strength
If resilient occlusion elements are used in peristaltic pumps, then the pump can relieve overpressure by removing occlusion elements, but this removes the occlusion and prevents correct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electrical conductivity measurement continuously monitors the occlusion state. When the conductivity indicates that occlusion elements have been removed (due to pressure relief), the system receives feedback about this state change. This feedback allows the control system to detect the abnormal condition and respond appropriately, such as by stopping the pump or generating an alarm, thereby preventing damage while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of occlusion element removal by continuously monitoring electrical conductivity before significant damage can occur. The system proactively identifies when occlusion elements are removed from their proper engagement position, allowing preventive action to be taken before the pump operates incorrectly for an extended period and causes harm to the patient or equipment.
3Stress or pressure
If peristaltic pumps operate with removed occlusion elements, then pressure is reduced, but blood damage (haemolysis) can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of occlusion element removal by continuously monitoring electrical conductivity between electrodes in the hose line. When the conductivity pattern indicates that occlusion elements are no longer properly engaged, the system detects this abnormal condition before significant blood damage can occur. The control system can then stop the pump or generate an alarm, preventing haemolysis by stopping incorrect operation before it causes harmful effects.
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 method effectively detects blockages and ensures proper operation of the peristaltic pump by measuring electrical resistance or conductivity, preventing fluid flow interruptions and potential damage to blood, enhancing the reliability of blood treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the electrical resistance or conductivity of the fluid in the hose line using electrodes placed upstream and downstream of the occlusion elements
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a medical treatment apparatus comprising a tube set 20, a peristaltic pump 6 for conveying fluid, and a monitoring apparatus 15 for monitoring the occlusion of the positive displacement elements 13A, 13B of the peristaltic pump. In addition, the invention relates to a tube set 20 for a medical treatment apparatus, and to a method for monitoring the occlusion of the occlusion elements of a peristaltic pump for conveying a fluid for a medical treatment apparatus. The invention is based on the fact that the occlusion of the positive displacement elements 13A, 13B of the peristaltic pump 6 is monitored in order to monitor the fluid flow in the hose line 5. For this purpose, the electrical resistance or a variable which correlates with the electrical resistance is measured between a first and a second electrode 16A, 16B, the first electrode 16A being arranged on the hose line 5 upstream of the occlusion elements 12 of the peristaltic pump 6 and the second electrode 16b being arranged on the hose line downstream of the occlusion elements such that an electrical contact is produced between the first and second electrode 16A, 16B and the fluid flowing in the hose line 5. The electrodes 16A, 16B are preferably integral component parts of a connecting piece 10, by means of which the hose segment 5A to be inserted into the peristaltic pump 6 is fixed in the form of a loop.