Pump Cassette Piston Membrane Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems face challenges in delivering medical fluids efficiently and safely, particularly in ensuring precise control over fluid flow and minimizing contamination risks, due to limitations in the design of disposable cassettes and pump mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a disposable IV pump cassette with a rigid body, compliant membrane, and piston mechanism, integrated with a slider and actuator system, which allows for precise control of fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet port, and is designed for easy integration with an infusion pump system to ensure secure and efficient fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a peristaltic pumping mechanism is used to move fluid through the IV tube, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the system complexity and potential for contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cassette is divided into distinct functional components: a reservoir section for fluid storage, a pump chamber with piston for fluid displacement, and an outlet section for delivery. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston and pump chamber are extracted as a separate, disposable cassette unit that can be independently replaced. This extraction eliminates the need for complex, permanent pump mechanisms in the main infusion pump system, reducing overall system complexity while preserving fluid delivery functionality through the replaceable cassette.
2Measurement precision
If a cartridge or cassette device is used to control fluid flow, then fluid delivery control is improved, but the risk of contamination and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cassette is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is discarded after a single infusion cycle. This eliminates the risk of contamination from repeated use, as each new cassette is sterile and unused. The disposable nature maintains precise fluid flow control while completely preventing contamination risks associated with reusable cassettes.
3Productivity
If the IV cartridge is integrated with the IV set, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the difficulty of replacement and potential for error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump cassette is designed as a self-contained, modular unit with standardized connection interfaces that separate it from the main pump system. This segmentation allows the entire cassette (reservoir, pump chamber, and outlet) to be replaced as a single unit, simplifying the replacement process and reducing the risk of assembly errors compared to integrating multiple components.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact pump design is used, then space optimization is achieved, but the precision of fluid control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pump chamber utilizes a flexible membrane or diaphragm that can be actuated by the piston to precisely control fluid displacement. This flexible element allows for accurate volume control within a compact chamber, maintaining fluid control precision while minimizing the overall cassette volume. The thin film membrane enables reliable sealing and controlled fluid movement in a space-efficient design.
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
This solution enables precise and controlled delivery of medical fluids, reduces the risk of contamination, and simplifies the loading process, while maintaining a compact design that optimizes space and facilitates user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant membrane disposed substantially therebetween, wherein the rigid body comprises a controllable fluid pathway defined in part by the compliant membrane
Implementation Method 2
a piston disposed at least partially within the rigid body such that movement of the piston varies a volume of a pump chamber defined within the controllable fluid pathway
Data Source
AI summary
Pump cassettes, infusion systems, and methods are described. An example pump cassette may include a rigid body comprising a frame portion, a base portion, a compliant membrane disposed substantially therebetween, and two opposing longitudinal edge sections. The rigid body may include a controllable fluid pathway defined in part by the compliant membrane and extending from an inlet port to an outlet port. The pump cassette may include a piston disposed at least partially within the rigid body such that movement of the piston varies a volume of a pump chamber defined within the controllable fluid pathway.