Smart Injector Turn Knobs for Orientation-Adaptive Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid injector systems with manual control knobs are cumbersome, unintuitive, and expose operators to radiation, with direction control dependent on device orientation, limiting functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A fluid injector system with a controller that determines the orientation of the housing and adjusts the direction of fluid actuation based on user input, allowing intuitive control of pistons or actuators to inject or draw fluids, while also considering load and fluid path characteristics, and enabling remote operation to avoid radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control knobs are mechanically connected to the driving element, then the piston can be extended and retracted manually, but the direction control becomes unintuitive and operator-dependent on device orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between the control knob and driving element with an electronic control system. The control knob generates electrical signals that are processed by a controller, which then actuates the driving element through electrical actuators. This substitution allows the system to interpret the operator's intent based on device orientation sensors, making control intuitive regardless of physical orientation while eliminating the need for complex mechanical direction-reversal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of control behavior based on real-time device orientation. The system continuously monitors device orientation through sensors and dynamically adjusts the interpretation of control inputs accordingly. This allows the same control knob rotation direction to consistently produce the desired piston movement direction regardless of how the device is physically oriented, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to changing operational conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the operator must be in close proximity to the powered injector to actuate control knobs, then manual control is possible, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between the operator and the powered injector. The control knob and interface can transmit commands wirelessly to the device, allowing the operator to control the injector from a remote location outside the radiation field. This intermediary communication system enables manual control capability to be maintained while eliminating the requirement for physical proximity, thereby protecting the operator from radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control interface from the physical housing of the powered injector, allowing it to be positioned remotely. The control functionality can be accessed through wireless interfaces or remote devices that are not located within the radiation field. This separation of control functions from the radiation-exposed device enables operators to maintain manual control while being positioned in safe zones away from radiation sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional manual control knobs are used, then simple mechanical operation is possible, but functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional control system where the control interface can perform multiple functions beyond simple piston actuation. The system provides programmable injection protocols, real-time parameter monitoring, wireless communication capabilities, and adaptive control based on device orientation. A single integrated control interface replaces multiple specialized controls, enabling diverse functionalities including manual control, automated protocols, and remote operation without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of multiple control parameters including injection rate, total volume, pause timing, and acceleration profiles. The system can programmatically change these parameters during injection protocols or allow real-time modification by the operator. This parametric control approach provides extensive functionality and versatility, allowing precise control over injection characteristics without requiring complex mechanical adjustments for each parameter change.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid injector system (1000) is configured to perform an injection protocol. The fluid injector system includes a housing (11) and a controller (900) operatively associated with a user input device (40) and a fluid actuator (16). The controller includes at least one processor programmed or configured to determine an orientation of the housing, receive at least one signal from the user input device, determine a direction of fluid actuation based on the orientation of the housing and the at least one signal, and actuate the fluid actuator in the direction of fluid actuation. The direction of fluid actuation corresponds to at least one of actuating the fluid actuator to inject fluid from a fluid reservoir and actuating the fluid actuator to draw fluid into the fluid reservoir.