Pump Head Tubing Presence Detection via Motor Current Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump systems for cooling mechanisms in medical procedures often operate all pump assemblies simultaneously, regardless of whether they are loaded with tubing, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and wear, as there is no effective method to detect the presence of tubing in individual pump heads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that connect a power supply to each pump motor, sense the motor current, and disconnect power from pump motors without tubing, using frequency domain analysis to determine if tubing is loaded, allowing only necessary pump assemblies to operate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all pump assemblies are operated simultaneously, then cooling coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases and unnecessary wear occurs on empty pump assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses current sensors to continuously monitor motor current and detects tubing presence through frequency analysis of motor operation. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to automatically adjust pump operation based on actual tubing presence, ensuring pumps only run when needed and eliminating wasteful energy consumption from operating empty pumps
2Ease of operation
If all pump assemblies are operated simultaneously, then system readiness is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting tubing presence through motor current analysis without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously determines which pumps are loaded and adjusts operation accordingly, simplifying control while maintaining system readiness
3Use of energy by moving object
If tubing presence detection is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or optical detection mechanisms with electrical current analysis. By transforming the detection problem into an electrical measurement task using frequency domain analysis of motor current, the system achieves reliable tubing presence detection with standard current sensors, avoiding the need for specialized precision measurement devices
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 approach reduces energy consumption and wear by ensuring only loaded pump assemblies are active, enhancing safety by minimizing unnecessary rotation, and allowing for precise control of cooling fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
Each pump assembly includes a pump motor, a power supply cable for supplying power to the pump motor, and one pump head. The pump motor is configured to be connected to a power supply and drive the pump head.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for detecting tubing in a pump assembly of a pump system are provided. For example, a method comprises connecting a power supply to each of a plurality of pump motors of the pump system. Each pump motor of the plurality of pump motors has a power supply cable configured to connect to the power supply and drives a pump head of a plurality of pump heads of the pump system. The method also comprises sensing a motor current from each of the power supply cables, determining whether tubing is loaded in each pump head, and, if tubing is not loaded in a pump head, then disconnecting from the power supply the power supply cable of the pump motor associated with the pump head in which tubing is not loaded. Systems for detecting the presence of tubing within a pump head of a plurality of pump heads also are provided.