Vacuum-Driven Syringe Infuser for MRI Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion systems for delivering medicaments require electric power, are complex, costly, and prone to errors, and cannot function near MRI scanners or in environments with metal interference, limiting their reliability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A non-electric, compact infusion device that uses a vacuum or resistance force to deliver medicaments from a standard syringe, allowing for independent operation of the syringe and drive sections, enabling flexible operation and reducing the risk of medication errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are used to deliver medicaments, then infusion control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic motors and transducers with a purely mechanical spring-loaded piston system. The spring provides continuous pressure to the syringe plunger, eliminating the need for electronic components while maintaining controlled infusion through mechanical means. This resolves the contradiction by achieving functional equivalence without electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains pressure on the syringe plunger without requiring external power sources or electronic control systems. The system is self-regulating through the mechanical properties of the spring, providing continuous infusion control without external intervention or complex electronics.
2Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are used, then infusion rate control is improved, but reliability in non-electric environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic control systems with a mechanical spring-driven system that operates independently of electrical power. The spring's physical properties ensure consistent force application to the plunger, providing reliable infusion rate control in environments where electricity is unavailable or unreliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, disposable mechanical components rather than expensive, complex electronic systems requiring maintenance and power sources. The spring and plunger mechanism can be easily replaced, ensuring reliability without dependence on electronic infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If complex electronic infusion systems are used, then infusion precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic interfaces with simple mechanical operation. The spring-loaded system requires only manual activation and maintains precision through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for users to navigate electronic displays, buttons, or programming interfaces.
4Extent of automation
If electric power sources are used in infusion devices, then control capability is improved, but adaptability to MRI environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates all electric power sources and electronic control components, replacing them with a passive mechanical spring system. This allows the infusion device to be used in MRI environments and other settings where electronic equipment is prohibited, while maintaining infusion control through mechanical means.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and flexible infusion system that does not require electric power, reducing the risk of errors and allowing operation near MRI scanners, with stable and controlled infusion rates.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum or other resistance force is provided in a vacuum chamber of the infusion device to create a pressure difference that tends to move the piston into the chamber
Implementation Method 2
A reciprocating arm is provided which is aligned with a long axis of the chamber to move into and out of the chamber. This arm has a sliding sealed piston on one end... This sliding sealed piston prevents air from passing around the arm and into a space between the sliding sealed piston and an interior of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided which includes an infusion device coupled to a standard medication syringe. The medication syringe may be coupled to a stopcock valve having multiple ports and to which syringes, vial adapters, infusion tubing, and multiple other items may be coupled. The infusion device includes a source of power based on a resistance force such as vacuum, spring or gas power. The infusion device converts the resistance based force to usable work in the form of a force applicator. The force applicator includes a driver section on one section of a reciprocating arm and an attachment to the power source on another section of the arm. The driver is pulled outward (excursion) to increase the size of the chamber, creating a force that tends to return the driver back inward, causing incursion. The driver can be attached removably to the syringe plunger to induce the infusion process.