Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Bonding to Dampen Fitting Vibrations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 of inconsistencies with a patient's medical record.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system comprising a single-use flow sensor and a reusable base unit, equipped with piezo elements and a microprocessor, that electronically measures and documents bolus delivery, and provides alerts for inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual bolus delivery is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but medication errors increase and automated documentation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two main segments: a disposable flow sensor sub-assembly that interfaces with the IV line and a reusable base unit containing the microprocessor and display. This segmentation allows automated documentation functionality to be added without permanently increasing overall system complexity, as the sophisticated electronics remain confined to the reusable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor sub-assembly acts as an intermediary component between the manual bolus delivery system and the automated documentation system. It captures flow data through ultrasonic transducers and transmits it to the base unit for processing and recording, enabling automated documentation while preserving the simplicity of manual delivery operation.
2Measurement precision
If flow sensing is integrated into the injection port, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensing capability is segmented into a separate disposable sub-assembly rather than being integrated into the permanent injection port structure. This allows precise flow measurement functionality to be added without permanently complicating the injection port design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor sub-assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. This allows sophisticated flow measurement capabilities to be implemented without permanently increasing system complexity, as the sensing components are contained within a single-use cartridge.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic transducers are bonded to fittings, then measurement reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer serves as an intermediary substance between the ultrasonic transducers and the fitting surfaces. This adhesive mediator compensates for minor surface irregularities and bonding variations, allowing reliable ultrasonic transmission without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances on the fitting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding process utilizes changes in adhesive properties (from liquid to cured state) to achieve secure attachment. The adhesive transitions from a fluid state that allows for alignment and bubble removal to a solid state that provides strong mechanical and acoustic coupling, thereby achieving reliable bonding without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
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 electronically monitoring and documenting bolus delivery, ensuring accurate recording and alerting healthcare professionals to potential inconsistencies, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
bonding adhesive between the transducers and the fittings, the transducers comprising a first piezo element and a second piezo element
Data Source
AI summary
A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament including a flow tube assembly through which said medicament flows, the flow tube assembly having: a flow tube having a lumen; an inlet fitting; and an outlet fitting; a first transducer arranged at the inlet fitting; and a second transducer arranged at the outlet fitting, wherein a transducer adhesive bonds said first transducer to the inlet fitting and said second transducer to the outlet fitting, and wherein the transducer adhesive dampens at least one of out of phase vibrations and rogue vibrations induced in the inlet and outlet fittings by transmission of sound energy between the first and second transducers and the inlet and outlet fittings.