Pump Set Safety Interlock Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump sets for delivering fluids to patients lack an effective method to ensure accurate loading without relying on magnets, leading to potential inaccuracies in fluid delivery and generation of low flow alarms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a safety interlock device using infrared radiation and visible light detection to confirm proper loading of the pump set, where the device transmits infrared radiation while blocking visible light, guiding it to detectors for proper alignment verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used in the pump set for detection, then the detection system can identify proper loading, 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 requiring a magnet in each pump set, the system uses the pump's built-in infrared detector to read a passive infrared-reflective label on the pump set. This removes the active detection component from the pump set, reducing its complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared-reflective label as an intermediary between the pump set and the pump's detection system. This label passively reflects infrared radiation back to the detector, enabling detection without requiring active components or power sources in the pump set. The intermediary transfers the detection function from the pump set to the pump housing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pump set is misaligned in the pump, then fluid delivery accuracy is compromised, but detecting misalignment requires complex detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment detection systems with a simple optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors or multiple detectors to verify alignment, the system uses a single infrared detector that reads an infrared-reflective label. The optical system is simpler and more reliable for detecting whether the pump set is properly loaded and aligned in the pump housing.
3Reliability
If visible light detectors are used to detect pump set loading, then detection can be achieved, but visible light can be blocked by the pump set materials reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the detection system from visible light to infrared radiation. Infrared radiation penetrates pump set materials more effectively than visible light, reducing the harmful blocking effect. The infrared-reflective label reflects infrared radiation back to the detector, enabling reliable detection even through semi-transparent or colored pump set materials that would block visible light.
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
Ensures accurate fluid delivery by preventing misalignment and reducing false alarms through reliable detection of the pump set's correct loading, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an outer member formed of a material that transmits infrared radiation and blocks visible light
Implementation Method 2
an inner member defining an inner boundary region that substantially reflects the infrared radiation within the propagation affecting member to change the direction of propagation
Implementation Method 3
an infrared radiation detector operatively connected to the control system for detecting infrared radiation
Implementation Method 4
a visible light detector for detecting visible light and providing an indication that the feeding set is not properly loaded on the pump
Data Source
AI summary
A pump set for use with a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and providing an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.