Syringe Pump Acoustic Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe pumps used in medical and non-medical applications face challenges in accurately estimating liquid delivery, particularly in complex scenarios involving multiple reservoirs and fluids, which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a syringe pump with a reference-volume assembly, including a speaker and microphones, that uses acoustic sensing to estimate liquid volumes by generating acoustic frequencies and analyzing feedback to determine the volume of discharged liquid, allowing for precise measurement and control of fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional liquid delivery estimation methods are used in syringe pumps, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement precision and reliability of liquid delivery estimation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical liquid delivery estimation methods with an acoustic sensing system. A speaker generates acoustic waves that travel through the liquid in the reservoir, and microphones detect the acoustic signals. The system uses acoustic impedance changes to calculate liquid volume and delivery amount, substituting mechanical measurement with acoustic field-based measurement to improve precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to measure liquid delivery. The speaker generates acoustic waves that interact with the liquid, and microphones detect these waves. The acoustic signals serve as a mediator between the liquid delivery process and the measurement system, enabling non-contact, high-precision measurement without direct mechanical interaction with the liquid.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensing components are added to the syringe pump, then liquid delivery measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensing system serves multiple functions: it measures liquid volume in the reservoir, monitors liquid delivery in real-time, detects liquid presence, and provides feedback for control. By making the acoustic system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate measurement mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensing system uses the liquid itself as part of the measurement medium. The acoustic waves travel through the liquid, and the liquid's acoustic properties (impedance, density) are directly utilized for measurement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complex sensing mechanisms that would otherwise be required to interface with the liquid.
3Measurement precision
If real-time acoustic monitoring is implemented, then liquid delivery control accuracy improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic monitoring is implemented periodically rather than continuously. The system performs acoustic measurements at specific intervals or at key moments in the liquid delivery process. This periodic action maintains real-time control accuracy for critical measurements while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies acoustic energy at partial levels - using just enough acoustic power to obtain accurate measurements without excessive energy input. The acoustic waves are generated at minimal necessary intensity to detect liquid volume and delivery, avoiding energy waste while maintaining measurement precision and control accuracy.
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
Enables accurate and precise estimation of liquid delivery, improving the reliability and efficiency of fluid administration in medical and industrial applications by providing real-time volume measurement and control.
Implementation Method 1
uses acoustic sensing to estimate liquid volumes by generating acoustic frequencies and analyzing feedback to determine the volume of discharged liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A pump includes a reservoir, a port, and a plunger. The reservoir delivers a liquid by discharging the liquid through the port coupled to the reservoir. A piston of the plunger defines a liquid side of the reservoir and a non-liquid side of the reservoir whereby movement of the plunger towards the liquid side of the reservoir discharges liquid through the port. The pump also includes a reference-volume assembly and/or a linear position sensor. The reference-volume assembly is coupled to the reservoir at an opposite end of the reservoir relative to the port and includes a reference-volume chamber in acoustic communication with the non-liquid side of the reservoir, a speaker disposed within the reference-volume chamber, and a reference microphone disposed within the reference-volume chamber. The pump estimate the amount of liquid discharged from the reservoir.