Self-sensing technology (self-sensing technology)

Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT

Micropump monitors itself and detects anomalies without additional external sensors
Many analysis and processing tasks in medical technology, biotechnology and the chemical industry require the handling of extremely small quantities of liquids. The precise dosing of liquids or gases is a challenging task. This is why micropumps are used for these dosing tasks.

To ensure high dosing accuracy and reliability, it is important to monitor possible malfunctions and failures. One of the main disturbance variables in microdosing technology are small gas bubbles, which are unavoidable in practical operation. These faults can lead to dosing errors or even jeopardize the safety of patients when dosing medication if the required amount of medication is not dosed correctly.

Revolutionary self-sensing technology for a self-monitoring micropump
The Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies (EMFT) has developed a proprietary sensor technology based on our micropumps, which has been integrated into the pump. This results in innovative solutions that offer unique advantages for numerous applications. Our self-monitoring micropump detects dosing anomalies and faults, such as bubble formation, without the use of additional external sensors. Thanks to its own integrated sensors, the dosing system can monitor its own status in real time.

AI recognizes gas bubbles – a new dimension of precision
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) enables our self-monitoring micropump to reliably detect gas bubbles and their size. By evaluating the control signal of the micropump using AI and the piezo effect, the pump can react precisely and in good time to any gas bubbles that occur. This groundbreaking development represents a new dimension in dosing precision and offers increased safety during use.

Our strategic research and cooperation partner

With Fraunhofer EMFT, RAPA Healthcare has a strong partner at its side. Together with the researchers at Fraunhofer EMFT, we are constantly driving forward the development of innovative products. This strategic partnership makes it possible to tackle current challenges in an even more targeted manner – for greater innovative power.

Our strategic research and cooperation partner

White paper Self-monitoring micropump

with gas bubble detection for reliable dosing accuracy

This paper presents a novel flow monitoring method for our piezoelectric micropump based on self-sensing. The method enables precise monitoring of the flow rate of the micropump without having to rely on external sensors. The technology enables the detection of gas bubbles in order to correct dosing errors. This opens up a wide range of applications for drug delivery, especially for high-dose medications such as insulin. Our research contributes to improving the precision and safety of drug administration.

Download Whitepaper

Would you like to delve deeper into this fascinating technology? Take a look at our brand new white paper. Here we present the technology and the concept and give an insight into the possibilities and potential of self-sensory technology.

Contents of the white paper

  • Challenges of micropump-based dosing
  • Basics and functional principle
  • State of the art
  • Solution approach intrinsic sensor technology
  • Theory of electromechanical coupling
  • Concept of micropump monitoring
  • Technology and performance data piezo micropump and fields of application
  • Outlook for microdosing systems
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