Portable Fluid Sampling System with Dual Pump Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring labile blood constituents like glucose, hormones, and cortisol require frequent manual sampling or large, stationary automatic systems, which are impractical for outpatient or mobile settings, and can disrupt the sampling process.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable fluid sampling system with dual pumps and a reservoir for continuous or periodic sampling and addition of active substances, allowing automated withdrawal and return of fluid samples with minimal user intervention, using a single incision and preventing coagulation through anticoagulants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If frequent manual blood samples are taken to monitor labile blood constituents, then the concentration changes can be captured, but the sampling procedure disrupts the physiological conditions and requires continuous user action
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated sampling where the device itself performs the sampling operation without requiring user intervention. The pump means automatically withdraw fluid samples at predetermined intervals, and the system self-manages the sampling process including activating the sampling means and handling sample transfer, thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual operation while maintaining monitoring frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes catheters and access points to the fluid system in advance, preparing the physiological access pathways before sampling begins. This preliminary setup allows subsequent automated sampling to proceed without repeated invasive procedures, reducing physiological disruption while enabling continuous monitoring capability
2Extent of automation
If a large stationary automatic sampling system is used, then automated continuous sampling is achieved, but the system is not portable and cannot be used in outpatient or mobile settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling function into separate modular components: pump means for fluid withdrawal, transfer means for sample transport, sampling means for analysis, and reservoir means for fluid replacement. This segmentation allows each component to be miniaturized and enables flexible configuration in a compact portable package while maintaining automated sampling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components within a compact housing structure where the pump means, transfer means, sampling means, and reservoir means are nested or closely integrated. This nesting approach minimizes the overall system footprint and weight while preserving all necessary automated sampling functions for portable deployment
3Quantity of substance
If large volumes of fluid are withdrawn for sampling, then sufficient sample is obtained for analysis, but the physiological impact on the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system withdraws only the precise volume of fluid needed for sampling analysis rather than large volumes. The pump means is controlled to extract exactly the required sample amount, and the transfer means delivers only this partial volume to the sampling means, thereby obtaining sufficient sample for analysis while minimizing physiological impact through controlled partial withdrawal
4Ease of operation
If manual sampling operations are performed, then user control over sampling timing is maintained, but continuous automated monitoring cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control means that receive signals from the pump means and sampling means to automatically activate sampling operations at predetermined intervals. This feedback-controlled automation enables continuous monitoring capability while the system can still be programmed or adjusted to accommodate user control requirements, reconciling automated continuous operation with user operational control
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
Enables continuous or periodic sampling of small volumes without user action, minimizing physiological impact and preventing coagulation, suitable for prolonged monitoring in various settings, including outpatient use and extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
first pump means for withdrawing at least one fluid sample from a first sample site
Implementation Method 2
second pump means for providing at least one active substance at the first sample site
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sampling system comprising a housing, a first pump means for withdrawing at least one fluid sample from a first sample site, means for returning at least part of the at one fluid sample to a second sample site, transferring means for transferring at least one volume of the at least one first fluid to a sampling means, second pump means for providing at least one active substance, at least one connection to a reservoir containing the at least one active substance, and at least one energy source for driving at least the first and second pump means.