A low-cost infusion pump to dispense three different volumes simultaneously

Infusion pumps are used to dispense volumes of fluid for various research and clinical applications. Commercial infusion pumps used in laboratory settings are typically very expensive and are limited by an inability to dispense various volumes from multiple syringes simultaneously and have poor user interfaces. Additionally, infusion pumps must provide accurate volume dispensing to obtain valid experimental results. To address these limitations, an infusion pump was designed that can dispense three different volumes of fluid simultaneously, with an accuracy of 0.1mL that can be manufactured at a low cost. The high-fidelity prototype was constructed using purchased components and 3D printed components and consists of two sub mechanisms a valve mechanism and a threaded rod mechanism. The threaded rod mechanism controls the throw of the syringe plunger with a stepper motor and the valve mechanism controls fluid input and output using a servo motor. Both motors are controlled by an Arduino Uno. Verification testing will consist of measuring the volume dispensed at different target volumes and determining if the infusion pump can dispense at the required 0.1mL accuracy. We will conduct a two-sided t-test (α=0.05) to determine if the difference between the target volume and dispensed volume is significant. In conclusion, this device will provide labs with the ability to dispense three different volumes of fluid simultaneously at a low cost.