Syringe Orientation and Pump Control for Fat Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current peristaltic pumps used for delivering fluids, such as breast milk, do not effectively prioritize the delivery of preferred nutrients like fat, as they often rely on gravity and continuous flow, which can lead to inefficient nutrient distribution during feeding cycles.
Innovation Solution
A syringe stand and flow control apparatus that orient the syringe vertically to prioritize the delivery of preferred nutrients by using a rotor-driven peristaltic pump with a controller that adjusts feed time to compensate for non-uniform fluid delivery, ensuring that at least 40% of the total fat content is delivered within the first third of the feeding cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a peristaltic pump delivers fluid at a continuous controlled rate, then the fluid delivery is accurate and sanitary, but the preferred nutrients (fat) are not prioritized and are distributed uniformly throughout the feeding cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates in periodic cycles with variable flow rates rather than continuous uniform flow. During each feeding cycle, the pump delivers fluid at different rates at different time intervals, specifically using higher flow rates during early phases to prioritize fat delivery, then adjusting to lower rates later in the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate during the feeding cycle based on the nutritional composition of the fluid and the desired delivery priorities. The controller modifies operational parameters in real-time to optimize nutrient delivery, transitioning from high-flow to low-flow modes as the cycle progresses.
2Ease of operation
If the syringe is oriented horizontally during fluid delivery, then the pump operation is simple, but the delivery of preferred nutrients is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is reoriented from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the outlet facing upward. This dimensional change in orientation allows gravity to assist in separating and prioritizing the delivery of fat-containing fluid, which rises to the top of the syringe barrel, enabling more efficient nutrient delivery without complicating pump operation.
3Device complexity
If the pump delivers fluid uniformly throughout the feeding cycle, then the delivery process is simple to control, but over 60% of the feeding time is spent delivering non-preferred nutrients
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured to deliver preferred nutrients (fat) first during the early phase of the feeding cycle before delivering non-preferred nutrients. By structuring the delivery sequence in advance with variable flow rates, the system prioritizes nutrient delivery without requiring complex real-time control adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the feeding cycle progress and fluid characteristics, adjusting the pump flow rate based on feedback from sensors and pre-programmed nutritional requirements. This feedback mechanism enables the system to optimize nutrient delivery timing and reduce time spent delivering non-preferred nutrients.
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 configuration ensures a significant increase in the early delivery of fat and other preferred nutrients, with over 40% of the total fat content delivered within the first 20 minutes, optimizing nutrient distribution during feeding cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor drives fluid through the flexible tubing of the pump set by the peristaltic action effected by reversible compression created by impingement, e.g., pinching, by one or more rollers on the rotor.
Implementation Method 2
A syringe stand and flow control apparatus that orient the syringe vertically to prioritize the delivery of preferred nutrients
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for delivering fluid from a syringe to a subject using a pumping device of a flow control apparatus. The method includes locating the flow control apparatus on a horizontal support surface. Providing the syringe with a volume of fluid including a total amount of preferred nutrient and an amount of non-preferred nutrient liquid. Mounting the syringe relative to the flow control apparatus whereby the syringe is oriented in a generally vertical orientation such that an outlet of the syringe faces upward. Initiating operation of the pumping device to draw the fluid from the syringe for a duration of time to preferentially deliver at least a portion of the total amount of preferred nutrient in the fluid to the subject.