Syringe Pump Pressure Sensing for Automatic Syringe Size Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical instruments require manual adjustment of syringe parameters when changing syringe sizes, leading to potential errors and increased complexity due to the need for additional components like color sensors and dedicated lighting for syringe size recognition.
Innovation Solution
An analytical instrument with automatic syringe size identification using existing firmware, employing a pressure sensor and modified Boyle's law to calculate theoretical pressure, comparing it with detected pressure, and adjusting drive parameters to ensure accurate operation without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of syringe parameters is implemented, then the instrument can operate with basic components, but user errors increase and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe pump automatically detects syringe size and adjusts drive parameters without user intervention. The system performs self-calibration by detecting the syringe's internal diameter through pressure sensor feedback during motor operation, eliminating the need for manual parameter input and reducing user errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensor feedback during motor operation to detect syringe characteristics. The pressure variations during motor operation provide information about syringe size, enabling automatic parameter adjustment and improving operational reliability.
2Extent of automation
If color sensors and dedicated lighting are added for syringe size recognition, then automatic syringe identification is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (color sensors and lighting) with a mechanical/pressure-based detection method. The syringe size is detected through pressure sensor feedback during motor operation, which provides information about syringe characteristics without requiring additional optical hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing motor and pressure sensor serve multiple functions: they both drive the syringe pump and simultaneously detect syringe size characteristics. This eliminates the need for dedicated detection hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.
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 automatic syringe size detection and recalibration, reducing human errors and device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The processor is configured to calculate the theoretical pressure P2* using a modified version of Boyle's law: P2* = P1(V syri + Vc)/(V syri(1-x) + Vc)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An analytical instrument having a syringe size identification functionality including a syringe pump with syringe having size Vsyri, an electric drive, a valve downstream of the syringe, a pressure sensor between the syringe and the valve, a constant downstream volume Vc and a processor configured to control the electric drive to move the plunger from L0 for detecting pressure P1 to a pressure detection position Ld for detecting P2 using the pressure sensor. The processor is configured to calculate the theoretical pressure P2* using a modified version of Boyle's law: P2* = P1(Vsyri + Vc)/(Vsyri(1-x) + Vc) and compare the theoretical pressure P2* with the detected pressure P2, if the theoretical pressure P2* equals the detected pressure P2 then release the analytical system for use.