Portable Fluid Infusion Assembly for Continuous Non-Pulsatile Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid infusers are bulky, complex, and limited in portability, flow rate, and pressure generation, with pulsatile flow profiles and inefficient fluid warming, making them unsuitable for rapid infusion during patient transit and requiring wired power connections.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld rapid infuser system with a single-action connection between reusable and disposable components, featuring a motor drive assembly and fluid delivery assembly for continuous fluid flow, integrated fluid warming, and energy-efficient operation, allowing for rapid infusion of large volumes of fluid without pulsatile flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid infusers use external pressurization or peristaltic pump mechanisms, then fluid delivery speed is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump systems (peristaltic pumps, external pressurization devices) with a simpler spring-loaded plunger mechanism. The spring mechanism stores mechanical energy and directly pushes fluid through the syringe, eliminating the need for motors, belts, and complex control systems while maintaining rapid fluid delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable syringe assembly that includes the fluid container, plunger, and needle as a single-use unit. This eliminates the need for complex reusable pump mechanisms and allows the system to be discarded after single use, reducing overall device complexity and improving portability for emergency scenarios
2Device complexity
If single-syringe pumps are used for fluid delivery, then device simplicity is improved, but flow continuity is worsened due to zero flow periods between ejections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dual-syringe system where one syringe is being ejected while the other is being filled, and vice versa. This periodic switching between two syringes ensures continuous fluid flow without the zero-flow periods inherent in single-syringe systems, while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two syringes into a single integrated assembly that operates as one unit. The syringes are positioned adjacent to each other and share common mounting structures, fluid pathways, and control mechanisms, allowing them to function together to provide continuous flow while maintaining device simplicity
3Productivity
If rapid infusers are designed for high flow rates through large-bore IV access, then fluid delivery speed is improved, but applicability to peripheral IVs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable flow rate mechanism that allows the operator to control the ejection speed of the plunger. This enables the system to deliver fluid at high speeds for large-bore IVs or at lower, more controlled rates for peripheral IVs, making the device adaptable to different needle gauges and patient conditions
4Reliability
If rapid infusers require wired power connections, then operational reliability is improved, but portability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spring-loaded plunger mechanism that stores mechanical energy in the form of a compressed spring. This self-contained energy source eliminates the need for external power connections, allowing the device to be used portably in field conditions while maintaining reliable operation through the passive spring mechanism
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 easy setup and continuous fluid infusion at high flow rates with consistent warming, suitable for emergency medical scenarios, and supports quick transitions between portable and wall-powered operation.
Implementation Method 1
The syringe can include a spring plunger mechanism, which can enable rapid ejection of the plunger to provide continuous non-pulsatile flow through the syringe
Implementation Method 2
Additionally, the system can include a fluid warmer assembly and a warmer drive assembly configured to be releasably electrically coupled to one another
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system can include a fluid delivery assembly and a motor drive assembly. The fluid delivery assembly is configured to be releasably mechanically and, optionally, electrically coupled to the motor drive assembly. When the fluid delivery assembly is releasably coupled to the motor drive assembly, the motor drive assembly can control delivery of fluid from the fluid delivery assembly (e.g., to a patient). For example, the motor drive assembly can be releasably coupled to the fluid delivery assembly to control delivery of fluid from the fluid delivery assembly to provide continuous (e.g., non-pulsatile) fluid flow from the fluid delivery assembly.