Syringe Pump Anti-Ratcheting Clutch and Occlusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical infusion pumps face issues with unreliable occlusion detection, syringe size accommodation, and drive mechanism reliability, leading to inconsistent medication delivery and potential wear on components.

Innovation Solution

A syringe pump design featuring a drive mechanism with an anti-ratcheting magnetic clutch, occlusion sensors for detecting line blockages, and a syringe holding system capable of accommodating different syringe sizes, along with sensors for proper loading and size detection, ensures consistent and reliable medication delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional occlusion detection systems are used, then the pump can detect line blockages, but the sensing systems are unreliable or too complex in construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the occlusion detection function from complex sensing systems and implements it through a simplified force measurement mechanism. The force sensor directly measures the force applied to the syringe plunger, and occlusion is detected when this force exceeds a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for complex sensing systems while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic sensing systems with a mechanical force measurement approach. By using a force sensor to measure the mechanical force applied to the plunger and comparing it against a threshold, the system achieves reliable occlusion detection through a simpler mechanical-based method rather than complex electronic sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If syringe pumps are designed to accommodate different syringe sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyringe size accommodationVSAvoidholding system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal holding system with adjustable components that can accommodate multiple syringe sizes. The syringe holding system includes adjustable syringe hooks and a movable syringe support that can be positioned to fit different syringe dimensions, allowing one device to perform multiple functions across various syringe types without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamic, adjustable components in the holding system rather than fixed structures. The syringe support can be moved along the syringe barrel, and the syringe hooks can be adjusted to accommodate different syringe sizes, providing adaptability through dynamic reconfiguration rather than through complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If drive mechanisms operate continuously without protection, then productivity is maintained, but component wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication delivery consistencyVSAvoidcomponent service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection of occlusion conditions through force measurement before they cause damage to the drive mechanism. By continuously monitoring the force applied to the plunger and detecting occlusion early when the force exceeds the threshold, the system can stop operation before excessive wear or damage occurs to the drive mechanism components, thus extending their service life while maintaining productivity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from force sensors to monitor the operational state of the drive mechanism. The force measurement provides real-time feedback about the resistance encountered during syringe advancement, allowing the system to detect abnormal conditions and adjust or stop operation to prevent component wear, thereby extending component life while maintaining consistent medication delivery during normal operation.

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

The syringe pump provides reliable and consistent medication delivery, reduces wear on components, and effectively detects occlusions, ensuring precise and safe infusion of medications across various syringe sizes.

Implementation Method 1

drive mechanism with an anti-ratcheting magnetic clutch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic clutch: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12121697B2Syringe pump with syringe position guiding features and occlusion detection

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 BAXTER INT INC

AI summary

A syringe pump including a housing with a syringe accepting region, a syringe holding system configured to hold a syringe in the syringe accepting region, a drive mechanism, and a drive head operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. The drive head is configured to engage a piston of a syringe held by the syringe holding system.