Syringe Needle Position Correction Using One-Dimensional Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and correcting syringe needle position and deviation in automatic intravenous medication preparation machines are costly, bulky, and time-consuming, often requiring complex measurement devices that hinder the precision and speed of the process.

Innovation Solution

A method using a robotic arm with a one-dimensional position sensor, such as a laser position sensor, to measure and correct the position and deviation of a syringe needle by positioning it in multiple calibrated stages, allowing for precise alignment and perpendicular insertion into containers without the need for extensive additional measurement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex measurement devices are used to detect needle position and deviation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle position detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex optical measurement systems and implements it using a simple one-dimensional position sensor that detects only the x-coordinate. By taking out only the necessary measurement capability and eliminating unnecessary complex components, the system achieves adequate measurement precision while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified measurement model that copies only the essential measurement function needed for needle position detection. Instead of using full three-dimensional optical measurement systems, it implements a one-dimensional position sensor that captures the critical x-coordinate information, providing a simplified copy of the measurement capability that suffices for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple measurement devices are used to correct needle position and deviation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle insertion precisionVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the measurement and correction functions into a unified system. The one-dimensional position sensor measures needle position, and the control system simultaneously calculates both position correction and deviation correction values. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate measurement devices for different correction types, achieving high manufacturing precision while keeping device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The one-dimensional position sensor serves multiple functions: it detects needle position for position correction and provides data for calculating needle deviation for deviation correction. This multi-functional use of a single simple sensor achieves comprehensive measurement capabilities without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby maintaining low device complexity while improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used to detect needle deviation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle deviation detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement by detecting the needle position at an initial point before the needle reaches the container. This early measurement allows the control system to calculate both position and deviation corrections in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements at multiple points during the insertion process. The preliminary action maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent skips the traditional multi-point measurement sequence by using a single one-dimensional position sensor measurement at the initial needle position. This skipping of intermediate measurement steps, combined with mathematical calculations to derive deviation information, rushes through the measurement process while maintaining adequate precision for correction purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Volume of moving object

If compact machine design is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases due to constrained actuator movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine spaceVSAvoidactuator control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the one-dimensional position sensor continuously monitors needle position, and the control system uses this feedback to calculate real-time corrections for both position and deviation. This feedback loop enables the compact actuator to automatically adjust and compensate for its movement constraints, achieving accurate needle insertion despite the limited space and constrained movement paths in the compact machine design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables accurate and efficient needle alignment, reducing variability and the risk of collision, while maintaining a compact machine design, thus enhancing the speed and reliability of the medication preparation process.

Implementation Method 1

A method using a robotic arm with a one-dimensional position sensor, such as a laser position sensor, to measure and correct the position and deviation of a syringe needle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser position sensing: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3176540B1Syringe needle position and deviation correction method in a machine for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 GRIFOLS ENG
  • EP3176540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3176540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3176540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for correcting the position and deviation of a syringe needle in a machine for automatically preparing intravenous medication, the machine comprising an automatic actuator, together with a control system, in which are placed the syringe and a one-dimensional position sensor comprising a measuring plane, the correction method comprising the steps in which the position sensor obtains position coordinates of a first and a second point of the needle, and steps of correcting the position and deviation error of the needle, by the control system of the automatic actuator.