Powerhead Syringe Ram Position Detection Using Hall-Effect Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power injectors for medical fluids, such as contrast media, face challenges in accurately determining syringe ram position without contact sensors, managing different syringe sizes, providing clear operator feedback, and setting safe pressure limits, while also being cumbersome to use and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The use of Hall-Effect sensors and optical sensors to determine syringe ram position and faceplate types without contact, illuminated manual control knobs for feedback, and a system for setting pressure limits based on historical data, along with a removable memory device for protocol storage and syringe accessory identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used to determine syringe ram position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical position sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system using Hall-Effect sensors. A magnet is attached to the syringe ram, and its position is determined by detecting changes in the magnetic field at fixed sensor locations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical contact sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that mediates between the syringe ram and the fixed Hall-Effect sensors. The magnet's magnetic field serves as the intermediary signal carrier, allowing non-contact position detection and simplifying the overall sensor system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple faceplates for different syringe sizes are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-identification system where each faceplate contains embedded magnets that automatically identify the faceplate type when installed. The system detects the presence, position, and polarity of these magnets to automatically determine syringe size and configure injection parameters, eliminating manual setup and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses Hall-Effect sensors to detect the magnetic signature of installed faceplates and provides automatic feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically identify faceplate type, select appropriate syringe size parameters, and configure injection settings without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the injector head is tilted for filling, then ease of operation is improved, but operator feedback clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the display and control interface from the tilted injector head to a separate upright console. This dimensional separation allows the display to remain vertically oriented and easily readable regardless of the injector head's tilt position, while the console provides stable ergonomic controls for the operator.
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
Enhances the accuracy and safety of syringe operations, simplifies the use of different syringe sizes, provides clear operator feedback, and reduces manufacturing complexity, while improving the reliability and efficiency of power injectors.
Implementation Method 1
The use of Hall-Effect sensors and optical sensors to determine syringe ram position and faceplate types without contact
Implementation Method 2
The use of Hall-Effect sensors and optical sensors to determine syringe ram position and faceplate types without contact
Data Source
AI summary
A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols.