Application
Sensors for Infusion Pumps
Medical Devices demand accuracy and reliability. Infusion Pumps coordinate delivery of nutrients and medications directly into the body, requiring precise control of fluids.
Infusion pumps constantly monitor and administer medication or nutrition automatically with a combination of force, ultrasonic, position, and temperature sensors to deliver reliable healthcare. Additionally, trends in medical applications come with extra challenges when lives are on the line. Small connected IoT enabled devices provide constant monitoring, increased mobility, and reduced cost to drive the future of healthcare. The following is a brief introduction to the technology driving infusion pumps to deliver life-saving quality in a small, cost-effective device. Blockages cause the infusion pump tubing to expand. This expansion is detected with force sensors; also called load cells. Traditional load cells with age-sensitive epoxies or designs using embedded pressure capsules within silicone cavities are subject to fatigue which hinders the sensor's lifecycle and stability. Fortunately, piezoresistive strain gages deliver almost unlimited cycles, are RoHS compliant, compensate for temperature (between 0 to 50°C), provide fast accurate results (+/-1% of span), and operate at low strains. Overall, our Microfused force sensors deliver the ruggedness and reliability necessary for medical infusion pumps. Bubbles in medical tubes can be fatal. To detect bubbles a piezo transducer emits an ultrasonic signal through the tube carrying fluids. Liquids transmit ultrasonic waves better than air, so any bubbles weaken the signal registered by the Piezo receiver. Position and temperature sensors add volume and temperature feedback from infusion pumps. Anisotropic Magneto resistive (AMR) sensors are one way to detect linear or rotary position to determine flow and volume in a cost-effective, reliable, and small package. Also, using temperature sensors with heaters can mitigate the temperature of fluids to help control body temperature when using infusion pumps. There are many types of sensors capable of working with infusion pumps to increase value to medical professionals. With the current trends and demands on the medical industry, our sensors deliver smarter, more mobile-connected lifesaving technology with costs and quality of life at the heart of our manufacturing.
