Peristaltic Pump Flow Control Using Plunger Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control systems for fluid delivery, such as peristaltic pumps, primarily control fluid administration by counting aliquots rather than directly managing the volume or rate, leading to inaccuracies in fluid delivery to patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a processor-controlled peristaltic pump system to estimate the actual volume delivered during a subinterval, adjust the motor duration accordingly, and sense the syringe plunger position to achieve precise fluid delivery by adjusting the motor operation based on the estimated and actual volume differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps control fluid administration by counting aliquots, then the system is simple to operate, but the fluid delivery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual fluid delivery parameters (flow rate, volume, time) and uses this feedback to adjust motor operation in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accurate fluid delivery despite variations in syringe characteristics or fluid properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical aliquot counting method with an electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to monitor and control motor duration, enabling more precise and adaptable fluid delivery control
2Ease of operation
If the pump operates for a fixed motor duration, then the system is easy to control, but the fluid delivery volume precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor duration based on real-time monitoring of fluid delivery parameters, transitioning from fixed-duration operation to variable-duration control that adapts to actual delivery conditions to achieve precise volume control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies operational parameters (motor duration, speed, acceleration) based on monitored delivery characteristics, adjusting these parameters dynamically to compensate for variations and achieve target volume precision
3Ease of operation
If the pump delivers fluid at a constant rate, then the system is simple to operate, but the adaptability to different fluid viscosities and syringe types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors actual fluid delivery characteristics and uses this information to automatically adjust motor parameters, enabling the pump to adapt to different fluid viscosities, syringe types, and brands without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting delivery characteristics and modifying its own operation to maintain optimal performance across different fluid and syringe configurations
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
Improves the accuracy and stability of fluid delivery by dynamically adjusting motor operation to match the intended volume, accounting for variables like syringe brand, size, and fluid viscosity, ensuring timely and precise administration.
Implementation Method 1
a pump motor operative to create a suction force on the fluid through the tubing to deliver a dose of the fluid from the syringe
Implementation Method 2
The rotor drives fluid through the flexible tubing of the pump set by the peristaltic action effected by reversible compression created by impingement, e.g., pinching, by one or more rollers on the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Operating, based on an objective volume of a fluid aliquot to be delivered during a subinterval, a pump motor of a flow-control apparatus for a first motor duration at a beginning of the subinterval to deliver less than the objective volume. A change in position of a first component of the container relative to position of a second component of the container over the first motor duration is sensed. A volume of fluid delivered over the first motor duration based on the sensed change in position is estimated. A second motor duration, ending no later than the end of the subinterval, to deliver a remainder of the objective volume of the aliquot is determined based on a difference between the objective volume of the aliquot and the estimated volume of the aliquot. The pump motor is operated for the second motor duration targeting delivery of the remainder of the aliquot.