Medical Device Levelling With Pressure-Feedback Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for fluid management, such as drainage and infusion, face challenges with cumbersome pressure control systems that restrict patient mobility and increase caregiver burden, leading to suboptimal fluid regulation and potential complications.

Innovation Solution

A levelling device with a tube for fluid communication between a medical device and a patient, equipped with a sensor and actuator system that adjusts the position of the medical device in real-time based on pressure differences, ensuring optimal pressure control and patient mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pressure control methods are used for fluid drainage devices, then pressure control can be achieved, but patient freedom of movement is restricted and caregiver burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically maintains pressure control by using a sensor to detect pressure differences and an actuator to adjust the medical device position, eliminating the need for manual intervention by caregivers and removing restrictions on patient movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system comprising a pressure sensor and actuator that automatically adjusts the drainage device position based on real-time pressure feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual pressure control methods are used for fluid drainage devices, then pressure control can be achieved, but caregiver burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure controlVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a closed-loop feedback mechanism where a sensor continuously monitors pressure differences between two locations and automatically adjusts the medical device position through an actuator to maintain optimal pressure levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated feedback control system performs pressure regulation autonomously without requiring caregiver intervention, reducing operational complexity despite the addition of sensing and actuation components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the medical device position is fixed relative to the patient, then pressure control is simplified, but patient freedom of movement is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient mobilityVSAvoidpressure control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed-position approach to a dynamic adaptive system that continuously adjusts the medical device position in response to real-time pressure measurements, allowing patient movement while maintaining pressure control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time pressure feedback from the sensor enables the actuator to dynamically adjust the drainage device position, maintaining optimal pressure control even when the patient moves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system provides accurate, automatic, and real-time pressure control, enhancing patient safety and mobility while reducing caregiver burden by maintaining optimal fluid dynamics during patient movement.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to transmit sensor data to the control unit which is indicative of a pressure difference between the first and second end of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference measurement:

Implementation Method 2

an actuator connected to the control unit, wherein the actuator is configured to connect to the medical device and to arrange a position of the medical device in relation to the patient in dependence on said pressure difference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActuator position adjustment:

Implementation Method 3

a tube having fluid communication between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for connection to the medical device and the second end is configured for connection to the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through tube:

Data Source

PatentUS10905864B2Levelling device for positioning of a medical device

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 P OLANDER MEDICA DEV AB

AI summary

A levelling device for positioning of a medical device in relation to a patient is disclosed. The levelling device comprises a tube having fluid communication between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for connection to the medical device and the second end is configured for connection to the patient. The levelling device comprises a control unit connected to a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit sensor data to the control unit which is indicative of a pressure difference between the first and second end of the tube, and an actuator connected to the control unit, wherein the actuator is configured to connect to the medical device and to arrange a position of the medical device in relation to the patient in dependence on said pressure difference.