Sensor Assembly Beam Deflection Protection for Medical Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Force sensors in infusion pump devices are susceptible to damage from physical impacts or forces exceeding their intended measurement range, compromising their sensitivity and accuracy in detecting occlusions in fluid paths.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a beam structure and sensing elements, coupled with a back plate and loading element, is designed to prevent deflection of the beams when forces exceed a threshold value, thereby protecting the sensing elements and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If small force sensors are used to provide high sensitivity and accuracy for occlusion detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors become more susceptible to damage from physical impact or excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
A protective structure with a rigid portion and a deflectable portion is positioned between the force sensor and the drive system. The deflectable portion acts as a cushion that absorbs excessive force through controlled deflection, protecting the sensitive force sensor from damage during occlusion events or physical impacts while allowing normal measurement operations to proceed unchanged.
2Measurement precision
If the beam is made more deflectable to improve sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but the beam becomes more susceptible to damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure introduces a new dimensional aspect to force management by adding a deflectable portion that moves in response to excessive force. This additional degree of freedom allows the system to dissipate energy through controlled deflection of the protective structure rather than risking damage to the measurement beam, effectively separating the measurement function from the protection function.
3Reliability
If a protective structure is added to prevent beam deflection under excessive force, then sensor durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is integrated with the existing beam structure by mechanically coupling the rigid portion to the beam. This merging approach allows the protective function to be added without requiring a completely separate assembly, reducing overall complexity while still providing effective protection against excessive force.
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 effectively limits deflection and protects the sensor assembly from damage, ensuring continued accurate measurement of forces within the intended range and detecting occlusions reliably.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor assembly with a beam structure and sensing elements... effectively limits deflection and protects the sensor assembly from damage, ensuring continued accurate measurement of forces
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value.