Medical Pump Filling Level Detection via Membrane Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical pump devices require external measuring instruments to determine the filling level of medical fluids, leading to potential user errors and increased complexity in outpatient use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sensor system within the medical pump device to measure the extension of the elastomeric hollow membrane, allowing for direct or indirect detection of filling level information without external instruments, using a sensor array and electronic evaluation unit to provide precise and user-friendly filling level data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external measuring instruments are used to determine filling level, then filling level can be determined, but user errors occur and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump device performs self-measurement of its filling level through an integrated sensor system that detects the extension state of the elastomeric hollow membrane internally, eliminating the need for external measuring instruments and user intervention in the measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is integrated directly into the pump device structure, merging the measurement function with the pump device itself rather than using separate external instruments, thereby reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If external measuring instruments are used to determine filling level, then filling level can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated directly into the pump device structure, merging the measurement function with the pump device itself rather than using separate external instruments, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from external instruments and incorporated into the pump device's internal sensor system, simplifying the overall system by eliminating separate external measuring 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
Enhances user safety and handling by eliminating measurement errors and the need for external instruments, providing a compact and user-friendly medical pump device for outpatient infusion therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric hollow membrane is elastically extended, wherein its surface area increases and, consequently, mechanical energy is stored in the wall of the hollow membrane. The hollow membrane elastically extended in this way exerts a delivery pressure on the pump volume
Implementation Method 2
For direct detection of the extension, the sensor system can be configured to detect a change of length of at least one portion of a surface of the hollow membrane
Implementation Method 3
For indirect detection of the extension, the sensor system can be configured to detect a force, a pressure, a distance or an optical measurement variable
Data Source
AI summary
A medical pump device for delivering a medical fluid includes a base body and elastomeric hollow membrane secured to the base body and arranged in such a way that a pump volume for filling with medical fluid is formed between the base body and hollow membrane. The hollow membrane, in an at least partially filled state of the pump volume, is elastically extended and exerts a delivery pressure on the pump volume. The medical pump device has a sensor system set up to determine the extension of the hollow membrane such that, by using the extension that is thus determined, filling level information concerning the filling state of the pump volume is determined. The medical pump device can be used in infusion or transfusion arrangements.