Rotary Pump Occlusion Detection via Rotor Stator Contact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid infusion devices with rotary micropump mechanisms lack effective methods for reliably detecting upstream and downstream occlusions, which are critical for ensuring accurate and safe medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid infusion device with a rotary pump mechanism that includes a stator and rotor with cam elements, a sensor contact element, and a sensing element, which cooperate with a detection circuit to monitor the angular position and detect occlusions through contact and non-contact sensing methods, such as electrical, optical, and force sensors, to determine operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary micropump mechanism is used for accurate fluid delivery, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the ability to detect occlusions deteriorates due to lack of effective sensing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical occlusion detection methods with electrical sensing elements that detect the presence or absence of fluid flow through electrical properties, enabling reliable occlusion detection without compromising the mechanical precision of the rotary micropump
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensing elements as intermediary components between the micropump mechanism and the control system, which translate physical fluid flow conditions into detectable electrical signals for occlusion detection
2Reliability
If multiple sensor contact elements are added to detect occlusions, then occlusion detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements serve multiple functions: detecting downstream occlusions, detecting upstream occlusions, and monitoring fluid flow conditions, thereby improving detection reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity through a single multi-functional sensing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into an integrated sensing system where contact and non-contact elements work together within the pump mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive occlusion detection capability
3Measurement precision
If contact and non-contact sensing elements are integrated into the pump mechanism, then occlusion detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are nested within the existing pump structure, with contact elements positioned on rotor surfaces and non-contact elements integrated into stator components, allowing precise occlusion detection without significantly increasing external device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensing approaches (contact and non-contact) at specific locations within the pump mechanism where they are most effective, optimizing detection precision while minimizing overall structural complexity through targeted local modifications
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
Enables reliable detection of occlusions, preventing medication delivery errors and ensuring safe operation by triggering alerts or adjusting the pump mechanism accordingly, thereby maintaining the integrity of the fluid delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element cooperates with a detection circuit to detect whether or not the stator cam surface is in contact with the sensor contact element
Implementation Method 2
electrical, optical, and force sensors
Implementation Method 3
electrical, optical, and force sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid infusion device includes a pump having a rotor and a stator. A rotor cam element rises from a reference surface of the rotor. The stator includes a cam element having a stator cam surface. The cam elements axially displace the rotor as the rotor revolves. Inlet and outlet valves open and close as a function of angular and axial position of the rotor. A motor actuates the rotor to pump fluid to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. First and second contact elements are located on the rotor. A sensing element on the stator cooperates with a detection circuit to detect when the sensing element makes contact with the first sensor contact element and the second sensor contact element. The detection circuit monitors a detection signal obtained from the sensing element to determine an operating condition of the fluid pump mechanism.