Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Assembly for IV Bolus Documentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce medication errors during intravenous bolus delivery by providing an automated record of medication, concentration, volume, and time of injection, while also alerting healthcare professionals when delivery is inconsistent with a patient's medical record.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system with a reusable base and disposable flow sensor that includes ultrasonic sensors to measure and record medication delivery, compatible with encoded syringes for automated data capture and alerting, and integrated with a computer system for real-time monitoring and documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual medication administration is used, then操作简单 (operation simplicity) is maintained, but medication errors increase and automated documentation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the flow sensor automatically detects medication flow, measures volume, and documents administration without requiring healthcare professionals to manually record or monitor each bolus delivery, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual documentation and monitoring processes are replaced with an automated electronic system using flow sensors and computer documentation, substituting mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation to reduce errors while managing complexity through integration
2Measurement precision
If automated flow sensing is implemented, then documentation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is implemented as a disposable component that is discarded after a single patient use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures. This allows the use of precise measurement technology without the operational complexity of maintaining reusable sensitive sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into reusable and disposable components, with the complex flow sensing electronics contained in a disposable unit. This segmentation allows the precision measurement system to be replaced rather than maintained, reducing operational complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then medication safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by comparing measured flow data against expected medication parameters and generating alerts when inconsistencies are detected. This automated feedback loop improves medication safety by continuously monitoring and comparing actual delivery with prescribed parameters without requiring complex manual monitoring protocols
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
The system reduces medication errors by providing accurate, automated documentation and alerts, ensuring compliance with patient medical records, and supports efficient medication administration.
Implementation Method 1
The flow sensor includes a flow tube, an upstream transducer, and a downstream transducer. The downstream transducer is positioned downstream of the upstream transducer in the flow tube. The circuit is configured to measure a transit time of an ultrasonic signal between the upstream transducer and the downstream transducer when the flow sensor is in use.
Implementation Method 2
The flow sensor includes a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is in use to generate ultrasonic vibrations in the flow tube. The second piezoelectric element is in use to detect ultrasonic vibrations in the flow tube.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system for sensing medicament delivery and transmitting an operation modification signal having at least two separable components is disclosed. The system includes a flow sensor having an inlet to couple to a fluid source, an outlet for delivering fluid from the fluid source to a patient, at least one sensor to characterize at least one attribute of the fluid, and at least one pin in in electrical communication with the sensor. The system includes a second component having a base having a contact, a controller in electrical communication with the contact that generates an operation modification signal in response to an attribute matching a condition specified by a rule, a transmitter for transmitting the operation modification signal to a device, the operation modification signal, when received by the device, causing the device to modify at least one operating parameter, and a cross-component electrical circuit.