Syringe Pump Pressure Sensor Assembly for Adaptive Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe pumps used in medical applications face challenges in accurately delivering fluids over extended periods and adapting to different syringe sizes, with existing systems lacking efficient pressure monitoring and interchangeable pump assembly capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A syringe pump design featuring a housing with a motor, gearbox, pressure sensor, and interchangeable pump assemblies that can convert between syringe and peristaltic pumps, including a sliding block assembly with a cam mechanism for engaging and disengaging with a lead screw, and a clamping mechanism for various plunger flange sizes, along with redundant sensors for fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a syringe pump uses a fixed pump assembly design, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different syringe sizes or convert to peristaltic pump mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed with movable and adjustable components, including a sliding block assembly with cam mechanism that can be repositioned along the lead screw, and a clamping mechanism that can adjust to different plunger flange sizes. This dynamic design allows the same pump assembly to accommodate various syringe dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with different syringe sizes using the adjustable clamping mechanism, and can be converted between syringe pump mode and peristaltic pump mode by repositioning the sliding block and cam mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pump assemblies for different applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the syringe pump includes interchangeable pump assembly capabilities, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into modular components: a base pump unit and interchangeable pump assemblies. The pump assembly can be removed and replaced by detaching it from the base, allowing users to switch between different pump configurations (syringe pump, peristaltic pump) without redesigning the entire system. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by standardizing the interface between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as the sliding block assembly that can move along the lead screw and the cam mechanism that can be repositioned. These dynamic features enable the assembly to adapt to different operating modes and syringe sizes, making the interchangeability practical and versatile without requiring completely different rigid structures for each mode.
3Measurement precision
If the syringe pump lacks pressure monitoring, then the device is simpler, but fluid delivery accuracy over extended periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the pressure within the syringe barrel during fluid delivery. The controller monitors this pressure data and can adjust the motor speed and plunger actuation to maintain accurate flow rates, compensate for occlusions, and ensure precise delivery over extended periods. This feedback loop significantly improves measurement precision and delivery accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure indication systems with an electronic pressure sensor and digital control system. Instead of using mechanical gauges or pressure-sensitive mechanical components, the system uses an electronic sensor that integrates with the controller to provide precise, real-time pressure monitoring and automated adjustments, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.
4Reliability
If the syringe pump uses redundant sensors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant sensors (such as multiple position sensors or pressure sensors) that serve as backup measurements before failure occurs. If one sensor provides erroneous data or fails, the controller can detect the discrepancy through cross-validation and switch to using data from the redundant sensor, ensuring continuous reliable operation without interruption to fluid delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe pump is disclosed that includes a body, a syringe seat, a syringe actuator, a memory, and one or more processors. The syringe seat is coupled to the body. The syringe actuator is configured to actuate a syringe secured within the syringe seat. The memory is configured to store a plurality of instructions. The one or more processors, in accordance with the plurality of instructions, is/are configured to: prime the syringe pump in a prime phase; determine if an occlusion exists during the prime phase using a first test; stop the prime phase; initiate fluid delivery into a patient; enter into a start-up phase; determine if an occlusion exists using a second test during the start-up phase; transition from the start-up phase into a steady-state phase; and determine if an occlusion exists during the steady-state phase using a third test.