Structure-Borne Sound Filling Level Detection in Medical Bubble Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the filling level in venous bubble chambers of extracorporeal blood treatment systems are complex, expensive, and prone to errors due to the reliance on ultrasound sensors, which require precise alignment and construction measures.
Innovation Solution
The use of structure-borne sound emitters and sensors to determine the filling level by measuring the damping behavior of sound waves as they propagate through the tubing kit, allowing for reliable and simple operation by evaluating the amplitude of structure-borne sound signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound sensors are used to monitor the filling level of the bubble chamber, then the filling level can be monitored, but the device complexity increases and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasound sensor system with an acoustic analysis system that uses a microphone or acoustic sensor to detect sound waves generated by air bubbles in the bubble chamber. The control unit analyzes acoustic parameters such as sound intensity, frequency spectrum, and temporal patterns to determine the filling level, thereby substituting a complex mechanical measurement system with a simpler acoustic detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic signals as a copy or alternative representation of the physical state (filling level) in the bubble chamber. Instead of directly measuring the liquid level with ultrasound, the system captures acoustic emissions from air bubbles that indirectly indicate the filling level, creating an alternative measurement pathway that is simpler and more robust.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound sensors are used to monitor the filling level, then the filling level can be detected, but the ease of operation decreases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic analysis system automatically adapts to different bubble chamber configurations and filling levels without requiring manual alignment or calibration. The control unit processes acoustic signals and dynamically adjusts measurement parameters, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment that plagues ultrasound sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes acoustic measurement parameters such as frequency range, signal threshold, and analysis window based on the detected sound characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain accurate filling level detection across various operational conditions without requiring fixed alignment, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasound measurement is used, then the filling level can be monitored, but the reliability decreases due to incorrect insertion and positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic analysis as an intermediary measurement method that is less sensitive to positioning errors. Instead of directly measuring the liquid-ultrasound interface, the system analyzes sound waves from air bubbles that serve as intermediate indicators of the filling level. This intermediary approach provides a more reliable measurement that is tolerant of variations in sensor placement and bubble chamber insertion.
4Reliability
If structure-borne sound measurement is used to monitor tubing kit integrity, then the integrity can be monitored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensor system serves multiple functions: it monitors the filling level of the bubble chamber, detects air bubbles in the blood line, and assesses tubing kit integrity. By using a single acoustic analysis platform for multiple monitoring tasks, the system achieves comprehensive surveillance without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure supports all three functions.
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 approach allows for accurate monitoring of the filling level and integrity of the tubing kit, reducing the risk of air embolisms and needle disconnections, while minimizing false alarms and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the status of a section of the tubing kit can be determined via the control and processing unit on the basis of the measurement of the structure-borne sound at the tubing kit
Implementation Method 2
at least one structure-borne sound sensor, wherein they are respectively configured such that they can be coupled to coupling points of a medical tubing kit
Implementation Method 3
evaluating the amplitude of structure-borne sound signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device, in particular to a blood treatment apparatus, having a control and processing unit, having at least one structure-borne sound emitter and having at least one structure-borne sound sensor, each configured for coupling to coupling points of a medical tubing kit which can be coupled to the medical device, wherein the filling level of a bubble chamber arranged in the tubing kit can be determined at the tubing kit via the control and processing unit based on the measurement of the structure-borne sound.