Device for conveying fluid based on micro-fluidic pump

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for conveying fluid based on a micro-fluidic pump, which comprises a liquid storage device, a first actuator, the micro-fluidic pump, a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a safety valve, a second actuator and a third actuator, the microfluidic pump includes a pump chamber switched between a first volume and a second volume, a first check valve disposed at the inlet, the first check valve allowing fluid to enter the pump chamber from the reservoir through the inlet when the pump chamber is in the first volume, and a second check valve disposed at the outlet, the second check valve allowing fluid to enter the pump chamber from the reservoir through the outlet when the pump chamber is in the second volume. The second check valve allows fluid to be discharged from the pump cavity to the target through the outlet when the pump cavity is in the second volume, the second fluid channel is provided with an elastic area, the safety valve is located in the elastic area, and the third actuator actuates the safety valve to be away from the elastic area or close to and squeeze the elastic area. Therefore, the situation that fluid leaks due to the pressure difference in the micro-fluidic pump can be reduced, and quantitative infusion is more accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a device for delivering fluids based on a microfluidic pump. Background Art

[0002] Many chronic diseases often cause corresponding complications. For example, chronic diabetes can cause complications related to blood sugar. In order to delay and reduce the rapid or persistent impact of chronic diseases on patients, automatic injection of drugs can be used on patients. Among the existing drug delivery technologies, portable drug delivery systems are widely used. They usually require a subcutaneous tube to be implanted. When the abnormality of the patient's physiological characteristics reaches a warning level, the patient can input the dose of the injected drug through the controller and connect the drug pump filled with the drug solution to the previously reserved tube for drug delivery.

[0003] In the prior art, the patent with the announcement number CN107514355B discloses a microfluidic pump, which vibrates a piezoelectric ceramic piece to make the liquid holding chamber in a contraction or expansion state. When the liquid holding chamber is in an expansion state, the first one-way valve opens and the second one-way valve closes, and the liquid flows into the liquid holding chamber from the first one-way valve; when the liquid holding chamber is in a contraction state, the first one-way valve closes and the second one-way valve opens, and the liquid in the liquid holding chamber flows out from the second one-way valve. It has the advantages of two-way input and output, miniaturization, and large-scale integration. However, when the microfluidic pump is connected to a liquid storage tank with a certain pressure (making the liquid storage tank have a certain pressure to facilitate the liquid to flow from its interior to the microfluidic pump, the general method is to use atmospheric pressure, that is, a vent, but this method is prone to generate bubbles and cause inaccurate infusion. Another method is to use an elastic structure or an actuator to pressurize the liquid storage tank), the sealing of the one-way valve in the direction of liquid flow is poor. For example, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first one-way valve 51 connects the liquid receiving chamber 55 and the liquid storage tank and allows the liquid to flow only from the liquid storage tank to the liquid receiving chamber 55, and the second one-way valve 52 connects the liquid receiving chamber 55 and the target to be infused with liquid and allows the liquid to flow only from the liquid receiving chamber 55 to the target. When the liquid receiving chamber 55 is in an expanded state (combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the fluid or the direction of the pressure of the fluid). Due to the pressure, the first one-way valve 51 is opened and the second one-way valve 52 is closed. However, when the liquid in the liquid storage tank flows to the liquid receiving chamber 55 (see Figure 3 , the arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the fluid or the direction of the pressure of the fluid), the pressure of the liquid may cause the second one-way valve 52 to be opened by mistake, resulting in liquid leakage. In other words, when the microfluidic pump is connected to a liquid storage tank with a certain pressure, it is easy to reduce the accuracy of the liquid volume obtained by the liquid holding chamber 55 at a time, which may further cause unexpected safety incidents.

[0004] The patent with the announcement number CN203647799U discloses an infusion pump system for dispensing liquid medicines such as insulin, which applies pressure on a first reservoir through a first fluid driver, applies pressure on a second reservoir through a second fluid driver, and allows the liquid medicine to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir and from the second reservoir to the infusion site through one or more valves. Although this infusion pump system provides a solution for connecting a first reservoir (similar to a liquid storage tank) with a certain pressure to a second reservoir (similar to a liquid holding chamber 55) for quantitative control of liquid infusion, one or more valves are installed on the fluid channel, and the influence of the channel on the second reservoir obtaining a quantitative liquid is not considered, and the accuracy is lower than that of the above-mentioned microfluidic pump. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure is proposed in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a device for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump, which can reduce the leakage of fluid caused by the pressure difference in the microfluidic pump, thereby making quantitative infusion more accurate.

[0006] To this end, the present disclosure provides a device for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump, comprising a reservoir for storing fluid, a first actuator for actuating the reservoir to maintain a predetermined pressure, the microfluidic pump for receiving or providing a predetermined volume of fluid by changing the volume, a first fluid channel connecting the reservoir and the microfluidic pump, a second fluid channel connecting a target and the microfluidic pump, a safety valve arranged in the second fluid channel and in an open position when the microfluidic pump provides the predetermined volume of fluid, a second actuator for actuating the microfluidic pump to change the volume, and a third actuator for actuating the safety valve, wherein the microfluidic pump comprises a first actuator that can change the volume between the first volume and the second volume. A pump chamber that switches between the first and second fluid passages and has an inlet connected to the first fluid passage and an outlet connected to the second fluid passage, a first check valve disposed at the inlet, and a second check valve disposed at the outlet, the first check valve allowing fluid to enter the pump chamber from the reservoir through the inlet when the pump chamber is at the first volume, the second check valve allowing fluid to be discharged from the pump chamber through the outlet to a target when the pump chamber is at the second volume, the second fluid passage having an elastic region, the safety valve being located in the elastic region, and the third actuator actuating the safety valve to move away from the elastic region, or approach and squeeze the elastic region.

[0007] In the device involved in the present disclosure, the first actuator actuates the liquid reservoir to maintain a predetermined pressure, which can facilitate the fluid to flow out of the liquid reservoir or flow into the microfluidic pump; the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to change the volume and controls the fluid to enter or exit the pump chamber of the microfluidic pump through the first check valve and the second check valve, so that the microfluidic pump can receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the liquid reservoir and provide a predetermined volume of fluid to the target, thereby enabling quantitative fluid infusion to the target; the third actuator actuates the safety valve to open when the microfluidic pump provides a predetermined volume of fluid, which can stabilize the pressure when the microfluidic pump receives the predetermined volume of fluid so that the second check valve will not be opened due to The pressure in the reservoir causes false opening, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid leakage when the microfluidic pump receives a predetermined volume of fluid due to the presence of a predetermined pressure in the reservoir, thereby improving the accuracy of quantitative infusion of fluid; in addition, the safety valve controls the opening and closing of the second fluid channel by squeezing the elastic area of ​​the second fluid channel, thereby reducing the interference of the safety valve on the second fluid channel and improving the accuracy of control; in addition, the first check valve and the second check valve of the microfluidic pump are respectively arranged at the inlet and outlet of the pump chamber, thereby reducing the influence of the first fluid channel or the second fluid channel when the microfluidic pump receives or provides a predetermined volume of fluid, thereby improving the accuracy of quantitative infusion of fluid.

[0008] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, the first volume is greater than the second volume, the pump chamber has a first pressure when the pump chamber is in the first volume, and has a second pressure when the pump chamber is in the second volume, the first pressure is less than the predetermined pressure, and the second pressure is greater than the predetermined pressure. In this case, when the pump chamber is in the first volume, under the action of the first pressure less than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir, the first check valve opens, the second check valve closes, and the fluid can enter the pump chamber through the inlet, and at the same time, because the safety valve is not opened at this time, the second check valve will not be opened by mistake when the pump chamber is filled with the predetermined pressure of the reservoir, causing fluid leakage, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of quantitative infusion of fluid; when the pump chamber is in the second volume, under the action of the second pressure greater than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir, the first check valve closes, the second check valve opens, and the subsequent control of the safety valve opening can facilitate the fluid to enter the second fluid channel and enter the target through the outlet, thereby completing the process of quantitative infusion of fluid.

[0009] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, after the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to switch the pump chamber from the first volume to the second volume, the third actuator actuates the safety valve away from the elastic area; after the third actuator actuates the safety valve to approach and squeeze the elastic area, the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to switch the pump chamber from the second volume to the first volume. In this case, the third actuator actuates the safety valve away from the elastic area of ​​the second fluid channel after the pump chamber is switched from the first volume to the second volume, and the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to switch from the second volume to the first volume after the safety valve approaches the elastic area that squeezes the second fluid channel (i.e., after closing the second fluid channel), which can control the opening and closing of the second fluid channel and maintain air pressure balance before the microfluidic pump receives a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir or provides a predetermined volume of fluid to the second fluid channel, thereby reducing the problem of fluid leakage caused by the second check valve being mistakenly opened when the pump chamber is filled with a predetermined pressure of the reservoir.

[0010] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, the safety valve includes a main body located in the elastic region, a pusher disposed on the main body and capable of approaching and squeezing the elastic region, and a resetter disposed on the pusher and abutting the main body to restore the pusher to an initial position, and the third actuator actuates the pusher to move away from the elastic region or approach and squeeze the elastic region. In this case, by driving the pusher to move away from or approach the elastic region of the second fluid channel, the opening and closing of the second fluid channel can be controlled in an extrusion manner, thereby reducing the interference of the safety valve on the second fluid channel; in addition, through the resetter, the pusher can cooperate with the third actuator to repeatedly squeeze the elastic region of the second fluid channel, thereby cyclically controlling the opening and closing of the second fluid channel and reducing the energy consumption of the third actuator.

[0011] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, the first actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device, the second actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device, and the third actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device. In this case, the first actuator, the second actuator and the third actuator are shape memory alloys, which can facilitate the use of conductive heating shape memory alloys to obtain a reciprocating and precise and stable power source to improve the convenience of actuating objects (such as liquid reservoirs, microfluidic pumps or safety valves), the actuator is a piezoelectric motor, which can use the nanometer-level control accuracy of the piezoelectric motor to improve the accuracy of actuating objects, and the actuator is a micro servo motor, which can use the stable torque and high-precision performance of the servo motor to improve the stability and accuracy of actuating objects.

[0012] In addition, in the device of the present disclosure, optionally, the microfluidic pump has an elastic part, and the second actuator is connected to the elastic part and actuates the elastic part to deform so that the pump chamber switches between the first volume and the second volume. In this case, changing the volume of the pump chamber by deformation can achieve better sealing performance than the piston drive method.

[0013] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, the predetermined volume is determined by the volume difference between the first volume and the second volume. In this case, a predetermined volume of fluid can be obtained to improve the accuracy of quantitative infusion.

[0014] In addition, in the device of the present disclosure, optionally, the first check valve and the second check valve are one of a lift check valve, a swing check valve or a butterfly check valve. In this case, when the fluid flows from the reservoir to the microfluidic pump and then to the target, a one-way flow can be formed through the first check valve and the second check valve, thereby reducing the problem of inaccurate quantitative infusion of fluid caused by fluid backflow or bubble hysteresis.

[0015] In addition, in the device involved in the present disclosure, optionally, a controller is further included, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator and controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator to respectively actuate the liquid reservoir, the microfluidic pump, and the safety valve according to a preset instruction. In this case, the fluid infusion process can be controlled in a targeted manner according to the infusion requirements.

[0016] In addition, in the device of the present disclosure, optionally, the controller receives instructions from an external controller or sensor data from a sensor monitor to generate the preset instructions. In this case, the infusion requirement can be generated according to the instructions from the external controller or the sensor data from the sensor monitor so that the fluid infusion process can be controlled in a targeted manner according to the infusion requirement, thereby improving the personalization and intelligence of the device.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a device for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump is provided, which can reduce leakage of the fluid caused by the pressure difference in the microfluidic pump, thereby making quantitative infusion more accurate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present disclosure will now be explained in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a microfluidic pump involved in the background technology example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2Schematic diagram showing a working state of the microfluidic pump involved in the background technology example of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing another working state of the microfluidic pump involved in the background technology example of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing an application scenario of the device for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a device for transporting fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram showing an embodiment of a liquid reservoir involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram showing another embodiment of the liquid reservoir involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the microfluidic pump and the safety valve group involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the second fluid channel and the safety valve involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the third actuator and the safety valve to control the closing of the second fluid passage involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the third actuator and the safety valve involved in the example of the present disclosure to control the opening of the second fluid channel.

[0030] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing a medical system composed of a device for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump, an external controller, and a sensor monitor involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.13 This is to show the Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the data communication process of the medical system involved in the example.

[0032] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a data communication process of a medical system involved in another example of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.15 Detailed description is a flow chart showing a method for controlling a device for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments filled in by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. In the following description, the same symbols are given to the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the drawings are only schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes of the components to each other or the shapes of the components may be different from the actual ones.

[0036] The present disclosure provides a device for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump, which can reduce the leakage of fluid caused by the pressure difference in the microfluidic pump, thereby making quantitative infusion more accurate. In some examples, the microfluidic pump can also be called a micro-infusion pump, a chip pump, a micro-quantitative infusion device, a microfluidic pump or a micro pump, etc. In some examples, the device for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump can also be called a "microfluidic conveying device", "micro pumping device", "medical device for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump", "medical microfluidic pump device" or "medical chip pump device", etc., and for the convenience of description, it can be referred to as "device for conveying fluid" or "device" below.

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing an application scenario of the device 1 for transporting fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, in the present disclosure, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump can be used for fluid delivery, specifically, for delivering fluid to the body of a target 2. Fluid delivery can be understood as the act of infusing a fluid such as a liquid medicine into the target 2, and the target 2 can refer to the infusion object of the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the present disclosure, including but not limited to at least one of an animal subcutaneous, an animal viscera, a plant, or a liquid preparation container. In the present disclosure, the target 2 can particularly refer to a patient who needs fluid delivery to complete disease treatment.

[0039] In addition, in the present disclosure, "fluid delivery", "infusion", "injection fluid" and the like are not limiting and, unless otherwise specified, can be understood as having the same or similar meanings. In some examples, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump can be an application-type device or an in vitro non-application-type device. For example, the application-type device can be Figure 4 The insulin pump shown is applied to the surface of the human body, and the insulin pump infuses insulin into the human body through an injection needle. The non-applied device can be a suspended insulin pump, etc. In other examples, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump can be configured to be implanted subcutaneously or in vivo, and the shell can be made into a specific shape using materials with good biocompatibility, such as an implantable analgesic pump, a fully implantable drug pump for the liver blood vessels, and other devices adapted to different parts of the human body. Similarly, the present disclosure can be understood to include the same or similar meanings, such as "drive", "actuate", "drive" or "cause", such as "check valve", "one-way valve", "check valve", "reflux valve" or "isolation valve", such as "liquid" or "fluid", etc.

[0040] In addition, in the present disclosure, there is no particular limitation on the fluid, for example, it can be a liquid medicine infused through the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the present disclosure, in some examples, such liquid medicine can be dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine bitartrate, sodium nitroprusside, stamisuride, propofol, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, etc. In addition, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump involved in the present disclosure can also be used to regularly, continuously and accurately administer medicine to the target 2 in combination with the actual situation of any disease.

[0041] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a device 1 for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the device 1 for transporting fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 involved in the present disclosure may include a fluid reservoir 11, a first actuator 110, a microfluidic pump 14, a first fluid channel 13, a second fluid channel 16, a safety valve 15, a second actuator 140 and a third actuator 150.

[0043] In some examples, the reservoir 11 can be used to store fluids. For example, the reservoir 11 can store a large amount of liquid medicine such as insulin, so as to deliver insulin to the diabetic patient in a timely manner when a glucose warning event occurs in the diabetic patient.

[0044] In some examples, the volume of the reservoir 11 can be designed according to the type of fluid, the amount of fluid delivered at a time, the duration of fluid delivery, etc. In some examples, the reservoir 11 can also have a replenishment inlet for replenishing the fluid. In this case, it is convenient to replenish the fluid to the reservoir 11 through the replenishment inlet.

[0045] In some examples, the reservoir 11 may have a predetermined pressure, and the manner of providing the predetermined pressure may include using an elastic material as the inner cavity of the reservoir 11 or using an actuator to actuate the reservoir 11. For example, the preferred manner of the present disclosure is to drive the reservoir 11 by the first actuator 110. In this case, the reservoir 11 having a predetermined pressure can better deliver the fluid therein to a container such as the microfluidic pump 14, and the accuracy of the microfluidic pump 14 receiving the predetermined volume of fluid will not be affected by the presence of negative pressure or bubbles due to the emptying of the fluid.

[0046] In some examples, the reservoir 11 having a predetermined pressure may mean that the pressure of the fluid in the reservoir 11 may be maintained within a predetermined range when the reservoir 11 contains the fluid.

[0047] Figure 6 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing an embodiment of the liquid reservoir 11 involved in the example of the present disclosure. Figure 7 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing another embodiment of the liquid reservoir 11 involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0048] In some examples, such as Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, one side of the reservoir 11 may be open and sealed by the piston 111 to form a receiving space. In some examples, the reservoir 11 may have an outlet connected to the first fluid channel 13. In this case, when the reservoir 11 contains fluid, the fluid can be pushed out of the first fluid channel 13 by the piston 111.

[0049] In some examples, such as Figure 6 As shown, the piston 111 can be driven by the first actuator 110 to maintain the predetermined pressure in the liquid reservoir 11, that is, the fluid in the liquid reservoir 11 is kept at the predetermined pressure. In this case, it is convenient to discharge the fluid from the liquid reservoir 11 to the microfluidic pump 14, and it is possible to reduce the backflow of the fluid or the formation of negative pressure, bubbles, etc. In addition, by controlling the first actuator 110 to drive the piston 111 in a linear stroke, it is also possible to improve the accuracy of maintaining the predetermined pressure of the fluid in the liquid reservoir 11, thereby facilitating the subsequent cooperation with the microfluidic pump 14 for fluid delivery.

[0050] In some examples, the first actuator 110 may be at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor, or a memory metal drive device. In this case, the actuator is a shape memory alloy, which can facilitate the use of conductive heating shape memory alloy to obtain a reciprocating and precise and stable power source to improve the convenience of actuating the liquid reservoir 11, the actuator is a piezoelectric motor, which can use the nanometer-level control accuracy of the piezoelectric motor to improve the accuracy of actuating the liquid reservoir 11, and the actuator is a micro servo motor, which can use the stable torque and high-precision performance of the servo motor to improve the stability and accuracy of actuating the liquid reservoir 11.

[0051] In other examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, the piston 111 may also be connected to an elastic member 112, and the elastic member 112 may be kept in a compressed state. In this case, the elastic member 112 kept in a compressed state can drive the piston 111 to move so that the fluid contained in the reservoir 11 maintains a predetermined pressure, and can reduce the situation of fluid backflow or blood backflow contaminating the fluid in the reservoir 11.

[0052] In other examples, the liquid reservoir 11 may also be a retractable container made of elastic material, which can maintain the pressure within a preset range when containing the fluid, such as silicone, rubber, etc. In this case, the effect of making the liquid reservoir 11 have pressure can be achieved by not providing the piston 111 or the first actuator 110.

[0053] In some examples, the reservoir 11 may have a sealable replenishing port. In this case, the reservoir 11 can be replenished with fluid regularly through the replenishing port; in addition, the sealable replenishing port can maintain the pressure inside the reservoir 11 or reduce the situation where air enters or is contaminated by the external environment when the reservoir 11 is replenished with fluid. In some examples, the position of the replenishing port in the reservoir 11 may not be limited. In some examples, the replenishing port can cooperate with an external catheter to replenish the fluid in the reservoir 11.

[0054] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the microfluidic pump 14 and the safety valve 15 involved in the example of the present disclosure.

[0055] In some examples, the microfluidic pump 14 can receive or provide a predetermined volume of fluid by changing its volume. "Receiving a predetermined volume of fluid" may refer to receiving, accepting, obtaining or acquiring a predetermined volume of fluid, and the methods may include but are not limited to inflow, squeezing, sucking or pumping, etc.; "providing a predetermined volume of fluid" may refer to providing or discharging a predetermined volume of fluid from the microfluidic pump 14, and the methods may include but are not limited to outflow, squeezing, sucking out or pumping out, etc.

[0056] In some examples, the microfluidic pump 14 may be connected to the liquid reservoir 11 through the first fluid channel 13 , that is, the first fluid channel 13 may connect the liquid reservoir 11 and the microfluidic pump 14 .

[0057] In some examples, the microfluidic pump 14 may guide the fluid from the microfluidic pump 14 into the target 2 through the guidance of the second fluid channel 16 , that is, the second fluid channel 16 may be connected to the microfluidic pump 14 and guide the fluid from the microfluidic pump 14 into the target 2 .

[0058] In some examples, such as Figure 8 As shown, the microfluidic pump 14 may include a pump chamber 141 and a plurality of check valves that allow fluid to flow into or out of the pump chamber 141 in a single direction (ie, from the reservoir 11 to the microfluidic pump 14 , or from the microfluidic pump 14 to the target 2 ).

[0059] In some examples, the pump chamber 141 can be switched between a first volume and a second volume (the volume conversion can be similar to the prior art, so see Figures 1 to 3 ). In some examples, the pump chamber 141 may have an inlet 143 communicating with the first fluid channel 13 and an outlet 144 communicating with the second fluid channel 16. In some examples, a check valve may be provided at the inlet 143 of the pump chamber 141 to allow fluid to flow from the inlet 143 of the pump chamber 141 into the pump chamber 141. For the sake of distinction, the check valve provided at the inlet 143 may be referred to as a first check valve 145. In some examples, a check valve may be provided at the outlet 144 of the pump chamber 141 to allow fluid to flow out of the pump chamber 141 from the outlet 144 of the pump chamber 141. For the sake of distinction, the check valve provided at the outlet 144 may be referred to as a second check valve 146.

[0060] In some examples, the inlet 143 or the outlet 144 of the pump chamber 141 may be an opening formed in the pump chamber 141 or a channel opening formed in the pump chamber 141 and protruding from the pump body of the microfluidic pump 14. In the present disclosure, preferably, the inlet 143 or the outlet 144 of the pump chamber 141 is a channel opening formed in the pump chamber 141 and protruding from the pump body of the microfluidic pump 14. In this case, it is convenient to connect and communicate with the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16, for example, and it is also convenient to set a check valve at the inlet 143 or the outlet 144 without setting the check valve in the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16, thereby reducing the influence of the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16 on the control accuracy of the check valve.

[0061] In some examples, the first check valve 145 can be a lift check valve, a swing check valve, or a butterfly check valve. In some examples, the second check valve 146 can also be a lift check valve, a swing check valve, or a butterfly check valve. In this case, when the fluid flows from the reservoir 11 to the microfluidic pump 14 and then to the target 2, a one-way flow can be formed through the first check valve 145 and the second check valve 146, thereby reducing the problem of inaccurate quantitative infusion of fluid caused by fluid reflux or bubble hysteresis.

[0062] In some examples, the microfluidic pump 14 may have an elastic portion 142 , that is, the pump chamber 141 of the microfluidic pump 14 may be elastic or deformable.

[0063] In some examples, the second actuator 140 can be connected to the elastic part 142 and actuate the elastic part 142 to deform so that the pump chamber 141 switches between the first volume and the second volume. In this case, changing the volume of the pump chamber 141 by deformation can provide better sealing than the piston 111 driving method.

[0064] In some examples, the second volume may be smaller than the first volume.

[0065] In some examples, the second actuator 140 can be at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor, or a memory metal drive device. In this case, the actuator is a shape memory alloy, which can facilitate the use of conductive heating shape memory alloy to obtain a reciprocating and precise and stable power source to improve the convenience of actuating the pump chamber 141, the actuator is a piezoelectric motor, which can use the nanometer-level control accuracy of the piezoelectric motor to improve the accuracy of actuating the pump chamber 141, and the actuator is a micro servo motor, which can use the stable torque and high-precision performance of the servo motor to improve the stability and accuracy of actuating the pump chamber 141.

[0066] In some examples, when the volume of the microfluidic pump 14 changes, a predetermined volume of fluid can be received from the reservoir 11 through the first fluid channel 13 or a predetermined volume of fluid can be provided to the target 2 through the second fluid channel 16. Specifically, when the second fluid channel 16 is closed (i.e., the second check valve 146 is closed), the microfluidic pump 14 can maintain the first volume and can receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir 11 through the first fluid channel 13 (the first check valve 145 is open), and when the first fluid channel 13 is closed (i.e., the first check valve 145 is closed), the microfluidic pump 14 can maintain the second volume and can provide a predetermined volume of fluid to the target 2 through the second fluid channel 16 (the second check valve 146 is open). In this case, fluid quantification can be performed by the microfluidic pump 14, thereby achieving quantitative administration.

[0067] It is worth noting that, without considering the situation other than the microfluidic pump 14, such as whether the liquid reservoir 11 has a predetermined pressure, the opening and closing of the first check valve 145 and the second check valve 146 can be controlled by the pressure of the pump chamber 141 of the microfluidic pump 14. For example, when the pump chamber 141 maintains a first volume, the pump chamber 141 can have a first pressure (such as a negative pressure). At this time, the first check valve 145 can move into the pump chamber 141 and allow the fluid to enter the pump chamber 141, that is, the first check valve 145 is controlled to be opened, and the second check valve 146 is controlled to be closed. 46 can move into the pump chamber 141 and can not allow the fluid to flow out of the pump chamber 141, that is, the second check valve 146 is controlled to be closed; when the pump chamber 141 maintains the second volume, the pump chamber 141 can have a second pressure (for example, positive pressure), at this time the first check valve 145 can move out of the pump chamber 141 and can not allow the fluid to enter the pump chamber 141, that is, the first check valve 145 is controlled to be closed, and at the same time the second check valve 146 can move out of the pump chamber 141 and can allow the fluid to flow out of the pump chamber 141, that is, the second check valve 146 is controlled to be open.

[0068] In some examples, the first pressure when the pump chamber 141 maintains the first volume may be less than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11. In this case, when the pump chamber 141 is at the first volume, under the action of the first pressure less than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11, the first check valve 145 is opened, the second check valve 146 is closed, and the fluid can enter through the inlet 143 to fill the pump chamber 141. At the same time, since the safety valve 15 is not opened at this time, the second check valve 146 will not be mistakenly opened when the pump chamber 141 is filled with the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11, causing fluid leakage, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of quantitative infusion of fluid.

[0069] In some examples, the second pressure when the pump chamber 141 maintains the second volume may be greater than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11. In this case, when the pump chamber 141 is at the second volume, under the action of the second pressure greater than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11, the first check valve 145 is closed and the second check valve 146 is opened, which can facilitate the subsequent control of the safety valve 15 to open, so that the fluid can enter the second fluid channel 16 and enter the target 2 through the outlet 144, thereby completing the process of quantitatively infusing the fluid.

[0070] In some examples, the predetermined volume can be determined by the volume difference between the first volume and the second volume. In this case, the second volume is smaller than the first volume, and the microfluidic pump 14 switches from the first volume to the second volume to form a positive pressure to provide fluid to the target 2 via the second fluid channel 16, and the microfluidic pump 14 switches from the second volume to the first volume to form a negative pressure to receive fluid from the reservoir 11 via the first fluid channel 13, and the volume difference between the first volume and the second volume can determine the predetermined volume of the fluid when receiving or providing the fluid, thereby completing quantitative fluid delivery, that is, quantitative control of fluid delivery.

[0071] In some examples, the predetermined volume of fluid may also be called a unit volume, a basic volume, or a digital volume of fluid. The predetermined volume of fluid may be determined by changing the first volume or the second volume of the microfluidic pump 14 according to different fluid types and therapeutic effects. For example, according to the needs of diabetics to obtain a specific therapeutic effect, the amount of insulin obtained each time may be set to 0.01 mg (or ml), 0.05 mg (or ml), 0.1 mg (or ml), 0.5 mg (or ml), 1 mg (or ml), etc. In some examples, the lower limit of the predetermined volume of fluid may not be limited. For example, in some very precise delivery scenarios, the predetermined volume of fluid is a tiny volume such as 0.5 μL.

[0072] As mentioned by the applicant above, in the prior art, when the microfluidic pump 14 is connected to the fluid reservoir 11 (fluid storage tank) with a certain pressure, the first check valve 145 (first one-way valve 51) connects the pump chamber 141 (liquid containing chamber 55) of the microfluidic pump 14 and the fluid reservoir 11 and allows the fluid to flow only from the fluid reservoir 11 to the pump chamber 141, and the second check valve 146 (second one-way valve 52) connects the pump chamber 141 and the target 2 that needs to be infused with fluid and allows the fluid to flow only from the pump chamber 141 to the target 2. When the pump chamber 141 is in an expanded state, due to pressure reasons, the first check valve 145 is opened and the second check valve 146 is closed, but when the fluid in the fluid reservoir 11 flows to the pump chamber 141, the pressure of the fluid will cause the second check valve 146 to be mistakenly opened, resulting in liquid leakage. It is understandable that the pressure of the fluid will not cause the first check valve 145 to be mistakenly opened like the second check valve 146. Therefore, the focus of the present disclosure is on how to improve the second check valve 146 so that it will not be mistakenly opened due to the pressure of the fluid. The description of the first check valve 145 or the first fluid channel 13 can be simplified.

[0073] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the second fluid channel 16 and the safety valve 15 according to the example of the present disclosure. Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the third actuator 150 according to the example of the present disclosure cooperating with the safety valve 15 to control the closing of the second fluid passage 16 . Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram showing the third actuator 150 involved in the example of the present disclosure cooperating with the safety valve 15 to control the opening of the second fluid channel 16 .

[0074] In some examples, the second fluid channel 16 may be elastic. Fig. 9 As shown, the second fluid channel 16 may include an elastic region 161 having elasticity. In some examples, the elastic region 161 may refer to a portion of the second fluid channel 16 that can be deformed when subjected to an external force so that the second fluid channel 16 is closed (i.e., does not allow fluid to pass through) and restored when not subjected to an external force so that the second fluid channel 16 is open (i.e., allows fluid to pass through). For example, the elastic region 161 may be made of an elastic material, and under the action of the safety valve 15, such as extrusion or other action modes, the elastic region 161 may be deformed or restored to allow fluid to not pass through or pass through.

[0075] In some examples, the elastic region 161 may refer to the entire second fluid channel 16, or may refer to at least a portion of the second fluid channel 16. In this case, the entire second fluid channel 16 is the elastic region 161, which can facilitate the installation of the safety valve 15 at any portion of the second fluid channel 16, thereby adaptively adjusting the position arrangement of components such as the safety valve 15, the microfluidic pump 14, the second fluid channel 16, or the reservoir 11; at least a portion of the second fluid channel 16 is the elastic region 161, for example, the portion interacting with the safety valve 15 is the elastic region 161, and the remaining portion is non-elastic, so that the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 can be better controlled by the safety valve 15, that is, the problem of inaccurate control due to elastic deformation at various locations of the second fluid channel 16 can be reduced.

[0076] In some examples, the diameters of various parts of the second fluid channel 16 may be the same, for example, the diameters of the second fluid channel 16 may all be less than 0.7 mm (also commonly referred to as micro-diameter or capillary diameter). In this case, the second fluid channel 16 with the same diameter less than 0.7 mm can maintain the same pressure drop when conveying the fluid, making the conveying process stable and accurate. In other examples, the diameters of various parts of the second fluid channel 16 may be different. For example, since the second fluid channel 16 needs to partially enter the subcutaneous tissue of the human body, its diameter may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the part that does not need to enter the subcutaneous tissue. For example, the diameter of the part of the second fluid channel 16 that enters the subcutaneous tissue may be less than 0.5 mm to facilitate the complete discharge of the fluid from the second fluid channel 16 to reduce the formation of negative pressure, thereby reducing the problem of inaccurate delivery caused by bubble formation, or reducing the backflow of liquid (such as blood or fluid itself in the subcutaneous tissue) causing the fluid in the device to be undesirably contaminated.

[0077] In some examples, the first fluid channel 13 may have the same diameter as the second fluid channel 16. In this case, the fluid can be kept consistent when it is input from the reservoir 11 to the microfluidic pump 14 and then output from the microfluidic pump 14 to the target 2, thereby improving the accuracy and balance of the infused fluid.

[0078] In some examples, the materials of the first fluid channel 13 and the second fluid channel 16 can optionally be made of the same material, such as a hard metal (such as a copper tube) or a non-gold material (such as a plastic tube). The hard metal or non-gold material is not easily damaged and can make the fluid more stable when flowing therein. For example, it can also be a soft non-gold material (such as silicone). The soft non-gold material is easy to bend and can be easily arranged in the device with other components.

[0079] In other examples, the materials of the first fluid channel 13 and the second fluid channel 16 may optionally be made of different materials according to different designs. For example, the portion of the second fluid channel 16 implanted in the patient's body may be made of a material with good biocompatibility, such as polypropylene, silicone, polyurethane, acrylic derivatives, polyhydroxy acids, etc., while the first fluid channel 13 may not be made of a material with good biocompatibility because it is installed inside the device and does not come into contact with the human body.

[0080] In the present disclosure, in particular, as mentioned above, the second fluid channel 16 may include an elastic region, that is, the second fluid channel 16 may at least partially have an elastic material. In other examples, the second fluid channel 16 may be elastic as a whole, that is, any part of the second fluid channel 16 as a whole may serve as the elastic region 161. In other words, the second fluid channel 16 as a whole may be made of an elastic material. In this case, it is not necessary to consider the compatibility of the second fluid channel 16 made of a variety of materials, and it is not necessary to limit the length of the elastic region 161, thereby facilitating the selection and installation of the second fluid channel 16 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0081] In some examples, the material of the elastic region 161 of the second fluid channel 16 may include, but is not limited to, silicone, artificial rubber / synthetic rubber (TPE / TPR), polyester rubber (TPEE), thermoplastic polyurethane rubber (TPU), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), etc.

[0082] In some examples, such as Fig. 9As shown, the elastic area 161 can be set in the safety valve 15, specifically, the elastic area 161 can be set between the main body 152 and the pushing part 151 of the safety valve 15 (described later), and the safety valve 15 can control the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 by squeezing the elastic area 161.

[0083] Specifically, when the microfluidic pump 14 maintains the first volume, the safety valve 15 is closed, that is, the elastic area 161 is squeezed to close the second fluid channel 16. The fluid pressure can open the first check valve 145 and flow into the microfluidic pump 14 from the reservoir 11, which is the only open first check valve 145. At the same time, since the second fluid channel 16 is closed, the second check valve 146 is closed due to the pressure of the second fluid channel 16 and the outlet 144. Therefore, when the microfluidic pump 14 receives a predetermined volume of fluid, the fluid will not leak from the second check valve 146 due to the pressure in the reservoir 11, thereby improving the accuracy of receiving the predetermined volume of fluid.

[0084] When the microfluidic pump 14 maintains the second volume, the safety valve 15 is open, that is, the safety valve 15 can be away from the elastic area 161 to open the second fluid channel 16. The fluid pressure can close the first check valve 145 and open the second check valve 146. At this time, the fluid can flow out from the microfluidic pump 14 through the second fluid channel 16.

[0085] In some examples, such as Fig.10 or Fig.11 As shown, the safety valve 15 may include a pusher 151, a main body 152, and a resetter 153. In some examples, the main body 152 may be located in the elastic region 161, for example, the elastic region 161 may be placed against the main body 152. In some examples, the pusher 151 may be disposed on the main body 152 and may be close to the elastic region 161. In some examples, the resetter 153 may be disposed on the pusher 151 and abut the main body 152 to restore the pusher 151 to an initial position.

[0086] In some examples, the third actuator 150 may actuate the pushing portion 151 to move away from the elastic region 161 or to move close to and press the elastic region 161 .

[0087] In some examples, such as Fig.10 As shown, the third actuator 150 can actuate the pushing portion 151 to approach and squeeze the elastic region 161, that is, when the third actuator 150 actuates the pushing portion 151 to move in the Z1 direction, the pushing portion 151 can approach and squeeze the elastic region 161 (at this time the second fluid channel 16 is squeezed and closed), and can be subsequently restored by the resetter 153.

[0088] In some examples, such as Fig.11As shown, the third actuator 150 can actuate the push part 151 to move away from the elastic region 161, that is, when the third actuator 150 actuates the push part 151 to move in the Z2 direction, the push part 151 can move away from the elastic region 161 (at this time, the second fluid channel 16 is not squeezed and is connected), and can be restored later by the resetter 153. In this case, by driving the push part 151 away from or close to the elastic region 161 of the second fluid channel 16, the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 can be controlled in a squeezing manner, thereby reducing the interference of the safety valve 15 on the second fluid channel 16; in addition, through the resetter 153, the push part 151 can be repeatedly squeezed in the elastic region 161 of the second fluid channel 16 in cooperation with the third actuator 150, thereby cyclically controlling the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16, and reducing the energy consumption of the third actuator 150.

[0089] In some examples, the resetter 153 can be charged by stretching or compressing. In this case, the resetter 153 can be used to restore the pusher 151 to a position when it is squeezed or away from the elastic region 161, and the consumption of electric energy can be reduced.

[0090] In other examples, the resetter 153 may not be provided, for example, the third actuator 150 may actuate the push portion 151 to move away from the elastic region 161, or may actuate the push portion 151 to move close to and squeeze the elastic region 161, that is, the third actuator 150 may actuate the push portion 151 to reciprocate so that the push portion 151 moves away from the elastic region 161 and moves close to and squeezes the elastic region 161. In this case, the movement of the push portion 151 can be accurately controlled, thereby improving the accuracy of controlling the second fluid channel 16.

[0091] In some examples, the third actuator 150 may be at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor, or a memory metal drive device. In this case, the actuator is a shape memory alloy, which can facilitate the use of conductive heating shape memory alloy to obtain a reciprocating and accurate and stable power source to improve the convenience of actuating the safety valve 15, the actuator is a piezoelectric motor, which can use the nanometer-level control accuracy of the piezoelectric motor to improve the accuracy of actuating the safety valve 15, and the actuator is a micro servo motor, which can use the stable torque and high-precision performance of the servo motor to improve the stability and accuracy of actuating the safety valve 15.

[0092] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing a medical system 100 composed of a device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 involved in an example of the present disclosure, an external controller 3, and a sensor monitor 4. Fig.13 This is to show the Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a data communication process of a medical system 100 according to an example. Fig.14is a schematic diagram showing a data communication process of a medical system 100 involved in another example of the present disclosure.

[0093] See also Figure 5 As shown, the device 1 for transporting fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 according to the present disclosure may further include a controller 18 .

[0094] In some examples, the controller 18 can be electrically connected to the first actuator 110, the second actuator 140, and the third actuator 150 and control the first actuator 110, the second actuator 140, and the third actuator 150 according to preset instructions to respectively actuate the reservoir 11, the microfluidic pump 14, and the safety valve 15. In this case, it is convenient to control the fluid infusion process in a targeted manner according to the infusion requirements.

[0095] In some examples, the controller 18 may receive instructions from the external controller 3 or sensor data from the sensor monitor 4 to generate preset instructions. In this case, the infusion requirement can be generated according to the instructions from the external controller 3 or the sensor data from the sensor monitor 4 so that the fluid infusion process can be controlled in a targeted manner according to the infusion requirement, thereby improving the personalization and intelligence of the device.

[0096] In some examples, the controller 18 may be an integrated circuit or component having a control chip. In some examples, the controller 18 may include a power supply, a control chip, a voltage conversion circuit, etc. In this case, the controller 18 can directly drive the first actuator 110, the second actuator 140, and the third actuator 150 to start according to a preset instruction by controlling the voltage and current.

[0097] Specifically, in some examples, after the second actuator 140 actuates the microfluidic pump 14 to switch the pump chamber 141 from the first volume to the second volume, the third actuator 150 can actuate the safety valve 15 away from the elastic region 161. In this case, the third actuator 150 actuates the safety valve 15 away from the elastic region 161 of the second fluid channel 16 after the pump chamber 141 switches from the first volume to the second volume.

[0098] In other examples, after the third actuator 150 actuates the safety valve 15 to approach and squeeze the elastic region 161, the second actuator 140 can actuate the microfluidic pump 14 to switch the pump chamber 141 from the second volume to the first volume. In this case, the second actuator 140 actuates the microfluidic pump 14 to switch from the second volume to the first volume after the safety valve 15 approaches and squeezes the elastic region 161 of the second fluid channel 16 (i.e., after closing the second fluid channel 16), which can control the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 and maintain air pressure balance before the microfluidic pump 14 receives a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir 11 or provides a predetermined volume of fluid to the second fluid channel 16, thereby reducing the problem of fluid leakage caused by the second check valve 146 being mistakenly opened when the pump chamber 141 is filled with the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11.

[0099] like Fig.12 As shown, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 involved in the present disclosure can be combined with an external controller 3, a sensor monitor 4, etc. to form an automatic drug delivery medical system 100. The automatic drug delivery medical system 100 can be used to automatically infuse fluid into a target 2 based on preset instructions or infusion requirements.

[0100] In some examples, the external controller 3 can be a dedicated controller 18, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or other terminal device. In some examples, the external controller 3 can also be a cloud device or an Internet device, such as a server or control terminal of an Internet hospital, which can be used as an external controller 33.

[0101] In some examples, the sensor monitor 4 can be a device for monitoring physiological parameters of the target 2, such as blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, body temperature, height / weight, body composition, blood lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure, etc., and there is no limitation here.

[0102] In some examples, the sensor monitor 4 can be connected to the external controller 3 by wireless communication. In some examples, the wireless communication method can include but is not limited to at least one of Bluetooth, Wifi, 3G / 4G / 5G, NFC, UWB and Zig-Bee.

[0103] In some examples, the external controller 3 can be wirelessly connected to the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14. In some examples, the wireless communication method can include but is not limited to at least one of Bluetooth, Wifi, 3G / 4G / 5G, NFC, UWB and Zig-Bee.

[0104] In some examples, such as Fig.13As shown, the sensor monitor 4 can obtain data of the physiological parameters of the target 2 and send the data to the external controller 3, and the external controller 3 can control the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 to deliver fluid based on the data of the physiological parameters of the target 2. In other examples, such as Fig.14 As shown, the external controller 3 may not be provided, and the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 may be linked with the sensor monitor 4 through the internal controller 18 to automatically administer the drug, and the controller 18 may be in communication connection with the sensor monitor 4. In this case, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 can directly respond to the monitoring data of the sensor monitor 4 and automatically provide infusion therapy to the target 2 in a timely manner, thereby improving the convenience and rapidity of delivering fluid.

[0105] In some examples, if the treatment of diabetes is taken as an example, the sensor monitor 4 can be a blood glucose monitor. The data of the physiological parameters of the target 2 can be blood glucose data. The workflow of the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 can include: obtaining real-time blood glucose data from the blood glucose monitor of the target 2 (i.e., the aforementioned sensor monitor 4) and sending it to the external controller 3; based on the blood glucose data, the external controller 3 sends a control signal to the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14; the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 can inject the fluid into the target 2 based on the control signal.

[0106] Also, see Figure 5 As shown, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 of the present disclosure may further include a housing 10, a needle aid 17, and a filter 12. In some examples, the housing 10 may accommodate internal components such as a reservoir 11, a microfluidic pump 14, a first valve, and a second valve, and may be used to protect these internal components.

[0107] In some examples, the needle assisting device 17 can be used to insert the second fluid channel 16 into the subcutaneous part of the target 2 so as to facilitate the injection of fluid into the target 2 through the second fluid channel 16. In some examples, the second fluid channel 16 can be inserted into the subcutaneous part with the assistance of the needle assisting device 17. In this case, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 can inject fluid into the body through the second fluid channel 16. In some examples, the subcutaneous part of the needle assisting device 17 can be a needle or a cannula needle, and the needle assisting device 17 can deliver the second fluid channel 16 into the subcutaneous part once and pull out the needle or cannula needle so that the second fluid channel 16 remains partially under the skin. In this case, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 can inject fluid into the body through the second fluid channel 16 and can reduce the pain of multiple needle sticks for patients.

[0108] In some examples, the filter 12 may be disposed between the reservoir 11 and the first fluid channel 13 to filter the fluid to reduce the possibility of blockage caused by crystallization of the fluid (e.g., drugs such as insulin), thereby enabling the fluid to flow smoothly into the microfluidic pump 14, thereby improving the accuracy of the fluid being infused into the target 2 through the microfluidic pump 14. In other examples, the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 may not be provided with the filter 12, for example, when the fluid is a drug solution that is not easy to crystallize, the filter 12 may not be provided.

[0109] In summary, according to the present disclosure, a device 1 for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 is provided. In the present disclosure, a large amount of fluid can be stored in a fluid reservoir 11, wherein a predetermined volume of fluid can enter the microfluidic pump 14 from the fluid reservoir 11 via a first fluid channel 13, and can be guided from the microfluidic pump 14 into a target 2 via a second fluid channel 16.

[0110] The first actuator 110 can be used to drive the liquid reservoir 11 to maintain a predetermined pressure. In this case, by actuating the liquid reservoir 11 to maintain a predetermined pressure through the first actuator 110, it is possible to facilitate the fluid to flow out of the liquid reservoir 11 or flow into the microfluidic pump 14 from the liquid reservoir 11, and the accuracy of the microfluidic pump 14 receiving the predetermined volume of fluid will not be affected by the negative pressure or bubbles caused by emptying the fluid.

[0111] In addition, the second actuator 140 can be used to drive the microfluidic pump 14 to change the volume. Moreover, when the microfluidic pump 14 changes the volume to form positive pressure or negative pressure, the opening and closing of the first check valve 145 and the second check valve 146 can be controlled by pressure. In this case, the first check valve 145 and the second check valve 146 control the fluid to enter or discharge the pump chamber 141 of the microfluidic pump 14, so that the microfluidic pump 14 can receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir 11 and provide a predetermined volume of fluid to the target 2, thereby enabling quantitative fluid infusion to the target 2.

[0112] In addition, the third actuator 150 can be used to drive the safety valve 15 to open or close. For example, the safety valve 15 is actuated by the third actuator 150 to open when the microfluidic pump 14 provides a predetermined volume of fluid. In this case, the pressure can be stabilized when the microfluidic pump 14 receives the predetermined volume of fluid so that the second check valve 146 will not be opened by mistake due to the pressure of the reservoir 11, thereby reducing the situation where the microfluidic pump 14 receives the predetermined volume of fluid due to the presence of a predetermined pressure in the reservoir 11. The accuracy of quantitative infusion of fluid is improved.

[0113] In addition, the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 can be controlled by controlling the opening or closing of the safety valve 15, that is, the safety valve 15 can be used to control the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16. Specifically, for example, the safety valve 15 controls the opening and closing of the second fluid channel 16 by squeezing the elastic area 161 of the second fluid channel 16. In this case, the interference of the safety valve 15 on the second fluid channel 16 can be reduced, and the accuracy of control can be improved.

[0114] In addition, the first check valve 145 and the second check valve 146 of the microfluidic pump 14 are respectively arranged at the inlet 143 and the outlet 144 of the pump chamber 141. In this case, the first check valve 145 of the inlet 143 or the second check valve 146 of the opening can reduce the accommodation space formed by the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16 and the pump chamber 141 when the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16 is connected to the pump chamber 141 (that is, in order to make the volume of the pump chamber 141 more accurate, the accommodation space formed by the first check valve 145 in the first fluid channel 13 or the second check valve 146 in the second fluid channel 16 and the pump chamber 141 should be minimized), thereby reducing the influence of the first fluid channel 13 or the second fluid channel 16 when the microfluidic pump 14 receives or provides a predetermined volume of fluid, thereby improving the accuracy of quantitative infusion of fluid.

[0115] In order to better reflect the improvement of the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 involved in the present disclosure, the present disclosure also provides the following control method or process for the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14. In some examples, the control method or process of the device can also be called "control method of microfluidic infusion device", "a control method based on micro pump" or "control method of micro pump device".

[0116] Fig.15 1 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling the device 1 for delivering fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0117] In some examples, such as Fig.15 As shown, the control method of the device 1 for conveying fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 may include: actuating the fluid reservoir 11 to maintain a predetermined pressure (step S100); actuating the microfluidic pump 14 to have a first volume (step S200); actuating the microfluidic pump 14 to have a second volume (step S300); actuating the safety valve 15 to open (step S400); actuating the safety valve 15 to close, and after the safety valve 15 is closed, triggering repetition of steps S200 to this step (step S500).

[0118] In some examples, in step S100, the first actuator 110 may be controlled to actuate the liquid reservoir 11 to maintain a predetermined pressure. In this case, the fluid can be easily discharged from the liquid reservoir 11, and the formation of negative pressure or bubbles indirectly or directly caused by atmospheric pressure can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of fluid delivery.

[0119] In some other examples, in step S100, the liquid reservoir 11 may be maintained at a predetermined pressure by using an elastic component 112 to drive the liquid reservoir 11 or by using an elastic material to make the liquid reservoir 11.

[0120] In some examples, in step S100, the first actuator 110 may actuate the reservoir 11 to maintain a predetermined and unchanged pressure following the volume change of the reservoir 11. For example, when the amount of fluid in the reservoir 11 becomes less and less, the reservoir 11 may deform to make the volume consistent with the amount of fluid, and the first actuator 110 actuates the reservoir 11 to be always in a compressed state, that is, to maintain a predetermined pressure.

[0121] In some examples, when performing step S100 , the safety valve 15 may be in a closed state.

[0122] In some examples, in step S200, the microfluidic pump 14 may be actuated to deform to have a first volume by controlling the second actuator 140. In some examples, the microfluidic pump 14 may have a first pressure less than the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11 when having the first volume. Due to the pressure difference, the first check valve 145 of the microfluidic pump 14 may be automatically opened and the second check valve 146 may be closed at this time, and the fluid may enter the microfluidic pump 14. In addition, since the safety valve 15 is still closed, the second check valve 146 will not be mistakenly opened when the pump chamber 141 is filled with the predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11, resulting in fluid leakage, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of quantitative infusion of fluid.

[0123] In some examples, in step S300, the microfluidic pump 14 may be further actuated to deform to have a second volume by controlling the second actuator 140. In some examples, when the microfluidic pump 14 has the second volume, it may have a second pressure greater than a predetermined pressure of the reservoir 11. Due to the pressure difference, the first check valve 145 of the microfluidic pump 14 may be closed at this time.

[0124] In some examples, in step S400, the safety valve 15 can be opened by controlling the third actuator 150. In this case, due to the pressure difference, the second check valve 146 can be automatically opened in cooperation with step S300, thereby enabling the fluid to be discharged from the microfluidic pump 14 through the second fluid channel 16 or infused into the target 2.

[0125] In some examples, after completing step S400 , the third actuator 150 may be controlled to actuate the safety valve 15 to close and steps S200 to S400 may be repeated, that is, step S500 .

[0126] It can be understood that the control method or process of the device 1 for conveying fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 involved in the present disclosure is applicable to the scheme of actuation by an actuator in the device 1 for conveying fluid based on the microfluidic pump 14 involved in the present disclosure, and therefore the various components and devices such as the actuator involved in the control method or process will not be repeated here.

[0127] In summary, according to the present disclosure, a device 1 for conveying fluid based on a microfluidic pump 14 is provided, which can reduce leakage of fluid caused by pressure difference in the microfluidic pump 14, thereby making quantitative infusion more accurate.

[0128] Although the present disclosure is specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the present disclosure in any form. Those skilled in the art may modify and change the present disclosure as needed without departing from the essential spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and these modifications and changes all fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for delivering fluid based on a microfluidic pump, characterized in that: The invention comprises a fluid reservoir for storing fluid, a first actuator for actuating the fluid reservoir to maintain a predetermined pressure, the microfluidic pump for receiving or providing a predetermined volume of fluid by changing the volume, a first fluid channel connecting the fluid reservoir and the microfluidic pump, a second fluid channel connecting a target and the microfluidic pump, a safety valve disposed in the second fluid channel and in an open position when the microfluidic pump provides the predetermined volume of fluid, a second actuator for actuating the microfluidic pump to change the volume, and a third actuator for actuating the safety valve. The microfluidic pump comprises a pump chamber switchable between a first volume and a second volume and having an inlet connected to the first fluid channel and an outlet connected to the second fluid channel, a first check valve disposed at the inlet, and a second check valve disposed at the outlet, The first check valve allows fluid to enter the pump chamber from the reservoir through the inlet when the pump chamber is at the first volume, and the second check valve allows fluid to be discharged from the pump chamber through the outlet to a target when the pump chamber is at the second volume. The second fluid channel has an elastic region, and the safety valve is located in the elastic region. The third actuator actuates the safety valve to move away from the elastic region, or to move closer to and press the elastic region.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first volume is larger than the second volume. When the pump chamber is in the first volume, the pump chamber has a first pressure. When the pump chamber is in the second volume, the pump chamber has a second pressure. The first pressure is smaller than the predetermined pressure, and the second pressure is larger than the predetermined pressure.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that After the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to switch the pump chamber from the first volume to the second volume, the third actuator actuates the safety valve away from the elastic region; After the third actuator actuates the safety valve to approach and squeeze the elastic region, the second actuator actuates the microfluidic pump to switch the pump chamber from the second volume to the first volume.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The safety valve includes a main body located in the elastic area, a pushing part arranged on the main body and capable of approaching and squeezing the elastic area, and a resetter arranged on the pushing part and abutting against the main body to restore the pushing part to an initial position. The third actuator actuates the pushing part to move away from the elastic area or approach and squeeze the elastic area.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device, the second actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device, and the third actuator is at least one of a piezoelectric motor, a micro servo motor or a memory metal drive device.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The microfluidic pump has an elastic part, and the second actuator is connected to the elastic part and actuates the elastic part to deform so that the pump chamber switches between the first volume and the second volume.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The predetermined volume is determined by a volume difference between the first volume and the second volume.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first check valve and the second check valve are one of a lift check valve, a swing check valve or a butterfly check valve.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator and controls the first actuator, the second actuator, and the third actuator according to preset instructions to respectively actuate the liquid reservoir, the microfluidic pump, and the safety valve.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The controller receives a command from an external controller or sensor data from a sensor monitor to generate the preset command.

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