Syringe Pump Pressure-Based 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 with the use of color-coded syringes and additional sensors, which complicates the device and increases costs.
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 match the syringe size without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of syringe parameters is required when changing syringe sizes, then the instrument can operate with different syringe sizes, but user error increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the syringe size using the pressure sensor and Boyle's law calculation, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment. The instrument self-calibrates by detecting the actual syringe volume and automatically updating the drive parameters, making the system self-serving rather than requiring user intervention for syringe changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides feedback on the actual syringe volume by measuring the pressure change when the plunger is moved. This feedback is used to calculate the syringe size through Boyle's law and automatically adjust the drive parameters, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to different syringe sizes without manual input.
2Extent of automation
If color-coded syringes with additional sensors are used for automatic identification, then syringe size identification is automated, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pressure sensor and firmware to automatically identify syringe size without requiring additional sensors or color-coded syringes. The instrument leverages its own existing components to perform the identification function, eliminating the need for external hardware additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical recognition systems (color sensors, lighting) with a mechanical/physical approach using pressure measurement and Boyle's law. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical hardware while achieving automatic syringe size identification through physical pressure detection.
3Extent of automation
If additional sensors and components are added for syringe identification, then automatic identification is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure during normal pump operation and simultaneously enables syringe size identification through Boyle's law calculation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated identification sensors, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing pressure sensing capability to perform syringe identification without requiring additional sensors. The instrument leverages its own existing components to provide the identification function, avoiding extra manufacturing costs associated with additional hardware.
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 accurate and reliable operation of the syringe pump by automatically identifying and recalibrating syringe sizes, reducing human error and device complexity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor between the syringe and the valve, 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
Implementation Method 2
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)
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical instrument having a syringe size identification functionality includes 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. When the theoretical pressure P2* equals the detected pressure P2, the analytical system is released for use.