Sealed Medical Fluid Transfer With Sensor-Guided Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid transfer devices in the medical field face challenges such as high cost, low efficiency, and excessive fluid or vapor leakage, particularly when transferring precise amounts of medical fluids, which can be costly and require careful handling to prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A medical fluid transfer system comprising a hose assembly with closable connectors, a pump, and a control system that includes a destination sensor to manage fluid transfer accurately, minimizing exposure to ambient air and reducing waste by transferring fluids in a sealed system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid transfer devices are used, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but fluid leakage and vapor exposure occur excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluid transfer systems with an automated system that uses a robotic arm equipped with a fluid transfer device. This automated mechanical system provides more precise control over fluid transfer operations, reducing manual handling errors and minimizing fluid leakage and vapor exposure compared to conventional manual or less sophisticated mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin film barrier in the fluid transfer device to contain fluids during transfer. This flexible barrier effectively seals the fluid pathway, preventing fluid leakage and vapor escape while allowing the device to adapt to different container shapes and sizes, thereby improving reliability without increasing harmful exposures.
2Ease of operation
If manual fluid transfer methods are used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated fluid transfer system where the robotic arm autonomously performs fluid transfer operations without continuous human intervention. The system can independently navigate, position, and execute transfer tasks, significantly reducing labor intensity and time consumption while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control. This automation enables the system to serve itself in completing transfer tasks efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm fluid transfer device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various container types, fluid volumes, and transfer scenarios. This universal design allows the single system to perform multiple fluid transfer tasks with different parameters, replacing numerous specialized manual operations and thereby improving productivity without sacrificing operational adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If precise fluid transfer is required, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors and control systems that monitor fluid transfer in real-time. These feedback systems provide measurement data on fluid volume, position, and transfer status, enabling precise control and correction during the transfer process. The feedback loop ensures high measurement precision for fluid transfer while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms that optimize performance without requiring overly complex hardware.
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 system enables precise and efficient transfer of medical fluids, reducing waste and minimizing exposure to ambient air, thereby reducing costs and preventing contamination, while maintaining a sealed environment to prevent leakage and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to transfer fluid through the hose assembly
Implementation Method 2
a hose assembly having a first closable connector configured to couple to a source container and a second closable connector configured to couple to a target container
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.