Syringe Pump Occlusion Detection via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid infusion systems, such as peristaltic pumps, face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling fluid flow, leading to issues like occlusions, leaks, and inefficient fluid delivery, which can impact patient care in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A pump system incorporating a tube platen, plunger, bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, position sensor, and processor to detect anomalies and occlusions, with optional ultrasonic sensors for air detection, enabling precise control and monitoring of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peristaltic pumps are used for fluid infusion, then fluid isolation is achieved, but monitoring and controlling accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical peristaltic pumping with a syringe-based mechanical system. The syringe pump uses a plunger driven by a motor to directly push fluid through the tube, eliminating the need for complex peristaltic roller mechanisms. This substitution improves measurement precision through direct mechanical control while maintaining fluid isolation through the closed syringe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using sensors (optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic) to detect fluid flow status, occlusions, and air bubbles. The processor receives sensor signals and adjusts the motor drive accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances monitoring accuracy while maintaining the reliability of fluid isolation.
2Productivity
If peristaltic pumps are used for fluid infusion, then fluid delivery is achieved, but control efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated occlusion detection and response. When sensors detect an occlusion or air bubble, the system automatically stops the motor, alerts the user, and can even reverse the plunger motion to clear the obstruction. This automation eliminates the need for manual monitoring and intervention, significantly improving control efficiency while maintaining continuous fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of peristaltic pumping with a syringe-based system provides more direct and controllable mechanical fluid delivery. The motor-driven plunger offers precise speed and position control, enabling better regulation of infusion rates and improved response to control commands, thereby enhancing overall control efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If occlusion detection is implemented, then fluid flow monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect multiple conditions (occlusions, air bubbles, fluid level) using a single sensor component. For example, an optical sensor can detect both occlusions by measuring light transmission changes and air bubbles by detecting refractive index differences. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the fluid tube itself as an intermediary element for detection. The tube's optical properties (transparency, refractive index) serve as the medium through which sensors detect occlusions and air bubbles. This approach eliminates the need for separate complex detection mechanisms, as the tube's inherent properties enable the sensing function, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.