Syringe Imaging System for Infusion Pump Volume Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe infusion pumps require user intervention to determine the internal diameter and remaining volume of syringes, limiting compatibility and accuracy, and are prone to errors due to incorrect syringe selection or manufacturing variations.
Innovation Solution
A syringe imaging system that uses an imaging device and processor to automatically detect the internal diameter and distance between the bung and syringe barrel bottom, calculating the remaining volume, thereby eliminating the need for user input and increasing compatibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user intervention is required to provide syringe information, then the system can confirm syringe type accuracy, but the system is limited to predetermined syringe types and requires manual input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement and user input with an automated imaging system that captures images of the syringe and uses image processing to automatically determine syringe parameters. The imaging device and processor substitute for the mechanical linear potentiometer and manual user intervention, enabling automatic syringe identification and expanding compatibility to any syringe type that can be imaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe itself provides the identification information through its physical characteristics (dimensions, markings, features) that are captured by the imaging system. The system reads the syringe's own features directly from images, eliminating the need for external input devices or pre-programmed databases, and allowing the syringe to 'identify itself' automatically.
2Ease of operation
If linear potentiometers are used to sense plunger position, then the system can determine remaining plunger travel, but errors occur from incorrect syringe selection or manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system captures images of the syringe and determines its actual dimensions and features before the infusion process begins. This preliminary measurement establishes the true syringe parameters (internal diameter, length, volume) that are then used for accurate volume calculation throughout the infusion, preventing errors from incorrect pre-programmed values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the syringe's actual characteristics through imaging and uses this feedback to adjust and maintain accurate volume calculations. By comparing the imaged syringe features against the infusion parameters, the system can detect and correct deviations, ensuring precise remaining volume determination throughout the infusion process.
3Reliability
If force measurement is used to determine syringe emptiness, then the system can detect when the syringe is empty, but low flow rates result in long periods of non-delivery before empty detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force measurement with an optical imaging system that directly visualizes the syringe contents and plunger position. The imaging device captures images that allow direct determination of remaining volume and empty status, substituting the indirect mechanical force measurement method with a direct optical observation method that provides immediate and accurate empty detection regardless of flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system introduces light as an intermediary to detect syringe contents and plunger position. By using light to illuminate and capture images of the syringe interior, the system can detect the presence or absence of fluid and the plunger position without mechanical contact, providing immediate empty detection that is independent of flow rate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A syringe imaging system for a syringe infusion pump is provided. The system comprises an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a syringe, and a processor, which is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. A syringe infusion pump is also provided. The pump comprises a housing having a bracket configured to receive a syringe, a syringe driver configured to actuate a plunger of the syringe, an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of the syringe, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance.