Syringe Pump Flange Clamp Sensing for Misload Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional syringe pumps often suffer from improper syringe loading, misalignment, and lack of effective detection of incorrect installation, leading to potential over- or under-infusion of medical fluids, and may not be dust and water-proof.
Innovation Solution
A syringe pump design incorporating a flange clamp and sensing switch to ensure proper syringe alignment and installation, with a sensing switch that detects the syringe flange to prevent actuation when misaligned, and includes sealing features to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a syringe pump operates without a sensing switch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of syringe loading detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange clamp structure integrates the sensing function directly into the clamping mechanism itself. When the syringe flange is properly loaded, the flange clamp contacts the sensing switch to automatically signal correct installation, eliminating the need for separate detection systems or complex external monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing function is extracted from complex electronic detection systems and simplified into a mechanical contact-based sensing switch that is easily integrated into the flange clamp assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Reliability
If the flange clamp is always in contact with the sensing switch, then the sensing switch remains in a stable state, but the ability to detect syringe loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange clamp is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on syringe loading conditions. When the syringe is properly loaded, the flange clamp moves to contact the sensing switch; when unloaded or misloaded, it remains spaced apart, providing dynamic detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange clamp is positioned in advance to automatically contact the sensing switch when the syringe is loaded, preventing the need for manual checking or complex real-time monitoring systems. The preliminary positioning of the flange clamp ensures the sensing switch is activated at the appropriate moment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the syringe pump body is open to the environment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against dust and water ingress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A seal ring is introduced as a flexible sealing element between the flange clamp and the syringe pump body. This thin film component effectively blocks dust and water ingress while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple integration into the existing assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring acts as an intermediary sealing component between the flange clamp assembly and the syringe pump body, providing protection against environmental contaminants without requiring complex sealed enclosures or difficult-to-manufacture integrated seals.
4Ease of operation
If the flange clamp is spaced apart from the mating surface, then syringe flange reception is enabled, but the sensing switch detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flange clamp is designed as a movable component that can dynamically adjust its position. When the syringe flange is inserted, the flange clamp moves from its spaced-apart position to contact the sensing switch, enabling both easy syringe loading and reliable detection through the same dynamic mechanism.
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
Ensures reliable detection of misloaded syringes, prevents incorrect installation, and maintains syringe pump integrity against dust and water ingress, ensuring accurate fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing switch is configured to be in a closed state when the flange clamp is in contact with the sensing switch and in an open state when the flange clamp is spaced apart from the sensing switch
Data Source
AI summary
Syringe pumps are described herein. A syringe pump is disclosed comprising a syringe pump body, a flange clamp and a sensing switch. The syringe pump body defining a syringe body recess and a syringe plunger recess, wherein the syringe body recess and the syringe plunger recess are configured to cooperatively receive a syringe. The flange clamp is coupled to a mating surface of the syringe pump body disposed between the syringe body recess and the syringe plunger recess, wherein the flange clamp is configured to be spaced apart from the mating surface to receive a syringe flange of the syringe. The sensing switch extends through the mating surface, wherein the sensing switch is configured to be in a closed state when the flange clamp is in contact with the sensing switch and in an open state when the flange clamp is spaced apart from the sensing switch.