Thermal Imaging Fluid Sensing for Medication Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery devices face challenges in accurately determining the volumetric flow of medication, particularly when the plunger movement is complex or subject to deformation, making it difficult for electronic dosing systems to effectively measure the volume of medication delivered.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensing system that includes a thermal device and a thermal imaging device coupled with a processor to capture thermal images of the fluid flow, allowing for non-contact measurement of volumetric flow, flow rate, and other fluid properties within a medication delivery device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a plunger-based container is used to deliver medication, then the device can be simple in design and manually operated, but determining the volume of medication delivered becomes inaccurate when the plunger is subject to large deformation or complex movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plunger movement measurement system with an optical imaging system. Instead of tracking plunger position mechanically, the system uses a camera to capture images of the fluid column and processes these images to determine the volume of medication remaining in the reservoir, thereby achieving accurate volume measurement without complex mechanical tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the fluid column in the reservoir and processes this copy to determine volume. By capturing images of the fluid column and analyzing them through image processing algorithms, the system determines medication volume without physically contacting or mechanically measuring the plunger position
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in contact with the medication to measure flow properties, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the components cannot be reused and the system becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (air or transparent fluid) between the imaging sensor and the medication. The camera captures images through this intermediary medium, allowing non-contact measurement of the fluid column. This enables the sensor to remain outside the fluid path, maintaining sterility and allowing component reuse while still achieving accurate measurements
3Measurement precision
If a thermal device is used to transfer thermal energy to the fluid, then volumetric flow can be determined through thermal imaging, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with a thermal-optical system. By using a thermal device to create temperature differences in the fluid and a camera to detect these thermal patterns, the system determines volumetric flow through optical means rather than mechanical sensors, achieving accurate measurement while maintaining relative system simplicity
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 efficient measurement of fluid flow characteristics without contacting the medication, facilitating precise delivery and potential reuse of components, while providing a compact and convenient solution for medication delivery devices.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal device is operably coupled with the fluid channel at a first position between the inlet and the outlet whereby thermal energy is transferable between the thermal device and the fluid medication flowing in the fluid channel at the first position
Implementation Method 2
A thermal imaging device is positioned to capture a thermal image of at least a portion of the downstream section of the fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sensing system (30) including a fluid channel (32) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (36). A thermal device (38) is operably coupled thereto at a first position whereby thermal energy is transferable with fluid in the channel. A section of the fluid channel downstream of the first position has a predefined cross section and flow path. A thermal imaging device (46) is positioned to capture a thermal image of at least a portion of the downstream section. A processor (48) coupled with the thermal imaging device is configured to determine at least one output value representative of a property of the fluid medication or fluid flow using the thermal image. The output value may be the flow volume. In some embodiments, the fluid channel also defines a section upstream of the first position with the thermal imaging device capturing an image that includes at least portions of both the upstream and downstream sections.