Enteral Pump Light Pipe Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems for delivering fluids to patients lack a reliable method to ensure accurate loading without relying on magnets, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid delivery and increased risk of misalignment alarms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a safety interlock system using electromagnetic radiation, where a source emits infrared radiation that is detected by a sensor only when the feeding set is properly loaded, enabling the pump to operate safely and accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet-based detection system is used to verify pump set loading, then the pump can detect whether the set is properly loaded, but each pump set requires a magnet which increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the pump set itself and places it in the pump housing. Instead of having magnets in each pump set, the system uses a stationary electromagnetic radiation source and detector in the pump housing to detect the presence of the pump set through optical transmission when properly loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation (light) as an intermediary between the pump housing and the pump set. The light pipe in the pump set acts as a mediator that transmits electromagnetic radiation when properly positioned, enabling detection without requiring active components in the pump set.
2Device complexity
If no detection system is used, then the pump set can be simpler without magnets or sensors, but the pump may deliver inaccurate fluid amounts or generate false low flow alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The pump set essentially performs its own identification through its physical presence and optical properties. The light pipe in the pump set passively transmits electromagnetic radiation when properly positioned, allowing the system to verify loading without active components in the pump set itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or magnetic detection systems with an electromagnetic radiation-based detection system. This substitution eliminates the need for magnets, switches, or mechanical sensors while maintaining reliable detection of proper pump set loading.
3Device complexity
If a light pipe is used to transmit electromagnetic radiation, then the pump can verify proper loading without magnets in the pump set, but the light pipe must be precisely positioned to function
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe has an asymmetric geometry with a larger outer diameter than inner diameter, creating a tapered structure. This asymmetric design provides mechanical guidance and self-alignment features that facilitate proper positioning in the pump housing without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe is nested within the pump set structure, with the tubing positioned through the central opening. This nested arrangement ensures that the light pipe maintains its position relative to other pump set components and aligns properly with the electromagnetic radiation source and detector in the pump housing.
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 ensures accurate and reliable loading of the feeding set, preventing misalignment issues and enhancing the safety and efficiency of fluid delivery to patients by using electromagnetic radiation to verify proper alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a source of electromagnetic radiation operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
A light pipe is positioned with respect to the conduit for carrying nutrient liquid to a patient. A safety interlock includes a light pipe for providing a passage of the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation to the electromagnetic radiation detector
Data Source
AI summary
An enteral feeding set for an enteral feeding pump having a control system for controlling operation of the pump to supply nutrient liquid to a patient through the enteral feeding set loaded in the pump, a source of electromagnetic radiation operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and an electromagnetic radiation detector operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation and providing an indication to the control system that the feeding set is properly loaded in the pump. The feeding set includes a conduit for carrying nutrient liquid to a patient. A safety interlock includes a light pipe for providing a passage of the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation to the electromagnetic radiation detector only when the safety interlock is loaded in the pump such that nutrient liquid flow to the patient is regulated by the pump.