Pump Head Tubing Detection Using Motor Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems for cooled RF ablation techniques operate all pump assemblies simultaneously, regardless of whether the associated probe assembly is in use, leading to inefficiency and unnecessary wear.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting the presence of tubing in pump heads, which involves connecting a power supply to each pump motor, sensing motor current, transforming it into the frequency domain, and determining if tubing is loaded, thereby disconnecting power from unloaded pump heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all pump assemblies are operated simultaneously, then cooling capability is ensured for all probe assemblies, but energy consumption increases and wear occurs on unused pump assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motor current sensing and Fourier transformation to detect whether tubing is loaded in each pump head, providing feedback information that enables the controller to selectively operate only those pump assemblies that have tubing loaded, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining cooling capability where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of pump assemblies based on real-time detection of tubing presence, allowing the system to transition from a static state where all pumps run continuously to a dynamic state where only necessary pumps are activated, optimizing energy usage while ensuring cooling capability is maintained for active probe assemblies
2Reliability
If all pump assemblies are operated simultaneously, then cooling capability is ensured for all probe assemblies, but wear increases on unused pump assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motor current sensing and Fourier transformation to detect whether tubing is loaded in each pump head, providing feedback information that enables the controller to selectively operate only those pump assemblies that have tubing loaded, thereby reducing wear on unused pump assemblies while maintaining cooling capability where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of pump assemblies based on real-time detection of tubing presence, allowing the system to transition from a static state where all pumps run continuously to a dynamic state where only necessary pumps are activated, minimizing wear on pump assemblies that are not currently needed for cooling
3Reliability
If multiple pump assemblies are operated, then cooling coverage is maximized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses motor current sensing and Fourier transformation to detect whether tubing is loaded in each pump head, providing feedback information that enables the controller to selectively operate only those pump assemblies that have tubing loaded, thereby maintaining cooling coverage for active probe assemblies while simplifying system operation through automated detection and control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection of tubing presence in each pump head by analyzing motor current characteristics, eliminating the need for separate detection sensors or complex monitoring systems, and automatically adjusts pump operation to match actual cooling needs, thereby maintaining cooling coverage while reducing system complexity
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 allows only pump assemblies with loaded tubing to operate, reducing energy consumption, minimizing wear on unused pump assemblies, and enhancing safety by reducing the number of rotating parts.
Implementation Method 1
A pump system includes a plurality of pump assemblies, and each pump assembly includes a pump motor, a power supply cable for supplying power to the pump motor, and one pump head of a plurality of pump heads. The pump motor drives the pump head.
Implementation Method 2
The controller is configured for transforming the motor current in a time domain to a frequency domain; determining whether tubing is loaded in the pump head and, if tubing is not loaded in the pump head, then disconnecting the power supply cable from the power supply; and calculating a speed of the pump motor if tubing is loaded in the pump head.
Data Source
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.