Novel drive system for use with an insulin delivery device

Abstract

This invention provides a novel device system for use with an insulin delivery device. A liquid infusion device is a separate type and is easy for the patient to use. Specifically, the liquid infusion device, comprising a flexible drive tape having a plurality of holes aligned essentially linearly along the length of the drive tape, the plurality of holes spaced apart at a fixed increment; a drive shaft comprising at least one gear, the gears comprising a plurality of teeth that align and engage the holes in the flexible drive tape, a piezoelectric motor for advancing the flexible drive tape; a plunger attached to or in communication with at least one end of the flexible drive tape, and a cartridge for containing a liquid medication for receiving the plunger and expelling the liquid medication upon movement of the plunger in the cartridge, wherein the piezoelectric motor turns the drive shaft, thereby advancing the flexible drive tape and driving the plunger into the cartridge in an increment correlating to the fixed increment between holes.

Description

Background technique [0001] The present invention relates generally to improvements in liquid injection devices for patient controlled administration. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved drug injection device with a space-saving drive system. [0002] Infusion devices for infusion of drugs, such as insulin to a patient, are well known in the art. US5637095 entitled "Medication infusion pump with flexible drive plunger" includes a compact drive motor connected to a sliding piston by a flexible transmission member, which is used to infuse a patient with medicine. The flexible transmission member extends through a space-saving curved channel, and includes a section of spring band formed of spring steel to have a curved cross-sectional shape when oriented in a linear structure. The spring belt is wound or coiled on the winding shaft in the pump housing. The transmission device may be a lead screw nut supported on the elongated lead screw, and the driving...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For example, setting the drive system relatively far from the piston often requires a thick piston rod, which may require a high power loss motor, which may introduce errors in the movement of the piston

Also, the system includes several components such as drive wheels, take-up shafts and other supports or guides for the passage of the tape while being external to the reservoir, making the system overly complex, possibly more difficult to use and manufacture, and possibly in liquid Errors introduced during injection regulation due to, for example, mechanical friction or component wear

Images