Single-Sensor Occlusion Detection for Transfusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occlusion detection systems for fluid paths in transfusion apparatuses require two occlusion sensors, one on each side of the pump mechanism, increasing production costs, assembly complexity, and device size due to the need for dual sensor setups.
Innovation Solution
An occlusion detection system utilizing a single occlusion sensor placed on the downstream side of the pump mechanism, which detects internal pressure changes to determine whether an occlusion occurs on the upstream or downstream side, leveraging a data processing circuit to analyze these changes and output analysis results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two occlusion sensors are disposed on both upstream and downstream sides of the pump mechanism, then occlusion detection accuracy is improved, but the number of components and assembly steps increase, raising production cost and device size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the upstream occlusion sensor from the system, retaining only the downstream sensor. The data processing circuit compensates for the removed sensor by analyzing pressure changes and pump operation states to determine upstream occlusions, thereby reducing component count while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The downstream occlusion sensor and data processing circuit are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting downstream occlusions directly through pressure sensing, and inferring upstream occlusions by analyzing pressure change patterns during pump operation cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate upstream sensor hardware
2Reliability
If two occlusion sensors are disposed on both upstream and downstream sides of the pump mechanism, then comprehensive occlusion detection is improved, but the space occupied by components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream occlusion sensor is extracted and removed from the system. The data processing circuit compensates for its absence by using pressure change analysis from the single downstream sensor to detect upstream occlusions, thereby reducing component space while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing circuit acts as an intermediary that processes pressure signal information from the downstream sensor and the pump operation state to infer upstream occlusion conditions. This intermediary processing enables comprehensive detection without requiring physical presence of upstream sensor hardware
3Ease of manufacture
If a single occlusion sensor is disposed only on the downstream side of the pump mechanism, then the number of components and production cost are reduced, but the ability to detect occlusions on both sides must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The single downstream occlusion sensor and data processing circuit are designed with multi-functionality to detect both upstream and downstream occlusions. The system analyzes pressure change patterns, magnitude, and timing in conjunction with pump operation state to determine occlusion location, enabling one sensor to perform the work of two
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing circuit continuously monitors pressure changes from the downstream sensor and compares them against expected patterns during different phases of pump operation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to distinguish between upstream and downstream occlusion events based on the characteristics of pressure deviations from normal operation
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
This configuration reduces the number of components and assembly steps, lowers production costs, and minimizes device size while effectively detecting occlusions on both sides of the pump mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an occlusion sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the pump mechanism and detects an internal pressure of the fluid path during a liquid transporting operation of the pump mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a pump mechanism that transports a liquid through a fluid path by elastically deforming the fluid path
Data Source
AI summary
An occlusion detection device detects an occlusion of a flexible fluid path on either of upstream and downstream sides of a pump mechanism, the pump mechanism transporting a liquid through the fluid path by elastically deforming the fluid path. The occlusion detection device is provided with: an occlusion sensor that is disposed on the downstream side of the pump mechanism and detects an internal pressure of the fluid path during a liquid transporting operation of the pump mechanism; and a data processing circuit that analyzes on which side of the upstream and downstream sides of the pump mechanism the occlusion of the fluid path occurs, based on a change of the internal pressure of the fluid path detected by the occlusion sensor and outputs an analysis result.