Removable Power Supply Cover Assembly for Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pump assemblies face challenges in providing reliable and efficient administration of fluids, particularly in preventing reverse-polarity electrical coupling of power supplies, which can lead to malfunction and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A removable power supply cover assembly with a sealing mechanism, including an o-ring assembly, that forms a water-tight seal and prevents reverse-polarity coupling, combined with a conductor assembly and spring for secure electrical coupling, allowing for easy access and insertion of a power supply while ensuring proper electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable power supply assembly is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of reverse-polarity coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply assembly uses asymmetric conductor arrangements where conductors of different polarities are positioned at different locations and orientations. The housing body contains conductors arranged in a specific asymmetric pattern that only matches the pump assembly's conductor arrangement when inserted in the correct orientation, preventing reverse-polarity coupling through geometric constraints alone.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-conductive barrier member is introduced as an intermediary component between the power supply assembly and pump assembly. This barrier member includes conductor openings that guide and constrain the conductors to proper alignment during insertion, ensuring that conductors from the power supply only contact corresponding conductors in the correct polarity orientation, thus mediating the connection to prevent errors.
2Ease of operation
If conductors are exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to exposure to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible conformal seal (such as an O-ring) is used to create a moisture barrier that conforms to the irregular surfaces of the pump assembly and power supply assembly interfaces. This thin film seal prevents moisture ingress while allowing for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities, protecting exposed conductors without compromising accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple components including a conformal seal on the power supply assembly and additional sealing elements at the interface with the pump assembly. This segmentation allows each seal to address specific vulnerability points independently, providing comprehensive moisture protection while maintaining the removable design for easy operation.
3Reliability
If a sealing assembly is added, then reliability is improved by preventing moisture ingress, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conformal seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary moisture barrier, compensates for manufacturing tolerances between components, accommodates surface irregularities, and maintains the removable nature of the power supply assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex sealing mechanisms while achieving reliable moisture protection.
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
The solution enhances the reliability and safety of infusion pump assemblies by preventing power supply malfunctions due to incorrect insertion and ensuring a stable electrical connection, thereby extending the device's operational time and maintaining its functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring attached to the power supply contact assembly and the conductor assembly, wherein an electrical coupling between a power supply to the conductor assembly is formed through the spring
Implementation Method 2
a sealing assembly for releasable engaging at least a portion of the enclosure assembly and forming an essentially water-tight seal between the removable cover assembly and the enclosure assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A removable power supply cover assembly for an infusion pump is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing body configured to removably attach to an infusion pump, a conductor assembly attached to the housing body, a power supply contact assembly, and a spring attached to the power supply contact assembly and the conductor assembly. An electrical coupling between a power supply to the conductor assembly is formed through the spring.