Medical Dispensing Device
The medical dispensing device with dual reservoirs and sequential plunger movement addresses metering inaccuracies and bulkiness issues, ensuring accurate dosing and safety through sequential depletion of reservoirs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025525744
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-05
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing medical dispensing devices suffer from metering inaccuracies in dispensing liquid medication, leading to potential under- or over-dosing, and often have reservoir sizes that are either too small or excessively bulky, complicating user convenience and safety.
A medical dispensing device with two cylindrical reservoirs and plungers, where each plunger moves between maximum and minimum space positions, and a driver selectively moves one plunger at a time to deplete the reservoirs sequentially, minimizing additive metering inaccuracies and ensuring accurate dosing while maintaining a reasonable device size.
The solution provides improved dosage accuracy and safety by minimizing metering inaccuracies and preventing unintended fluid flow, while allowing for a larger reservoir size that is convenient for users.
Smart Images
Figure 2025535553000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention provides a medical dispensing device comprising: a first cylindrical reservoir configured to contain a liquid medicament; a second cylindrical reservoir configured to contain a liquid medicament; and a first plunger disposed within the first cylindrical reservoir so as to be movable between a first plunger start point and a first plunger end point, wherein when the first plunger is at the first plunger start point, a space for the liquid medicament within the first cylindrical reservoir bounded by the first plunger is maximum, and when the first plunger is at the first plunger end point, a space for the liquid medicament within the first cylindrical reservoir bounded by the first plunger is minimum. a second plunger disposed therein and movably between a second plunger start point and a second plunger end point, wherein when the second plunger is at the second plunger start point, a space for the liquid medicament within the second cylindrical reservoir bounded by the second plunger is maximum, and when the second plunger is at the second plunger end point, a space for the liquid medicament within the second cylindrical reservoir bounded by the second plunger is minimum; and a drive unit configured to move the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir and further configured to move the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir. [Background technology]
[0002] Previously known medical dispensing devices are used to administer liquid medication to a user. The liquid medication is intended to improve the patient's health. During use, the liquid medication is simultaneously dispensed from a first cylindrical reservoir and from a second cylindrical reservoir. As with any dispensing process, dispensing the liquid medication from the first cylindrical reservoir is prone to metering inaccuracies inherent in the dispensing mechanism of the first cylindrical reservoir, and dispensing the liquid medication from the second cylindrical reservoir is prone to metering inaccuracies inherent in the dispensing mechanism of the second cylindrical reservoir. Simultaneous dispensing of the liquid medication from the first cylindrical reservoir and from the second cylindrical reservoir combines the inherent metering inaccuracies of the system associated with the first cylindrical reservoir and the system associated with the second cylindrical reservoir. The inherent inaccuracies in metering of combined systems can result in under- or over-dosing of the liquid medication, which, depending on the type of liquid medication, can pose serious health risks to users of the medical dispensing device. Also, medical dispensing devices are known that include only one cylindrical reservoir, resulting in an overall reservoir space that is too small or making the device excessively bulky, making it inconvenient for users to carry such bulky devices in their pockets or on their skin. Furthermore, large reservoir spaces are also associated with inherent inaccuracies in metering. Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a medical dispensing device that avoids at least one of the disadvantages of previously known medical dispensing devices. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a medical dispensing device with improved dosage accuracy, while at the same time providing a pump with a large reservoir space.
[0004] At least one of the above objectives is achieved by providing the subject matter disclosed in the claims and throughout the specification.
[0005] According to a first aspect, a medical dispensing device includes a first cylindrical reservoir configured to contain a liquid medicament, a second cylindrical reservoir configured to contain a liquid medicament, a first plunger disposed inside the first cylindrical reservoir movably between a first plunger start point and a first plunger end point, wherein when the first plunger is at the first plunger start point, a space for the liquid medicament inside the first cylindrical reservoir bounded by the first plunger is maximum, and when the first plunger is at the first plunger end point, a space for the liquid medicament inside the first cylindrical reservoir bounded by the first plunger is minimum, and a second plunger disposed inside the second cylindrical reservoir movably between a second plunger start point and a second plunger end point, wherein when the second plunger is at the second plunger start point, a second plunger, wherein a space for the liquid medicament inside the second cylindrical reservoir bounded by the second plunger is maximum and, when the second plunger is at a second plunger end point, a space for the liquid medicament inside the second cylindrical reservoir bounded by the second plunger is minimum; and a driver configured to move the first plunger inside the first cylindrical reservoir and further configured to move the second plunger inside the second cylindrical reservoir, wherein the driver is configured to selectively move either the first plunger or the second plunger, and the driver is further configured to stop moving the first plunger inside the first cylindrical reservoir and start moving the second plunger inside the second cylindrical reservoir when the first plunger reaches a first plunger end point inside the first cylindrical reservoir.
[0006] The first and second cylindrical reservoirs are configured to contain a liquid medicament. The first and second cylindrical reservoirs comprise a liquid medicament that can be administered to a user of the medical dispensing device during use of the medical dispensing device. Both the first and second cylindrical reservoirs include a circular cross-sectional area.
[0007] A first plunger is disposed within the first cylindrical reservoir and is movable between a first plunger start point and a first plunger end point. Moving the first plunger from the first plunger start point toward the first plunger end point reduces the space defined by the inner wall of the first cylindrical reservoir and the first plunger, resulting in the liquid medicament contained in the contracting space being dispensed from the first cylindrical reservoir. When the first plunger is positioned at the first plunger start point, the space for the liquid medicament within the first cylindrical reservoir is maximized. When the first plunger is positioned at the first plunger end point, the space for the liquid medicament within the first cylindrical reservoir is minimized. For example, the minimum space may be zero or close to zero, such that the first plunger abuts against the inner circular wall defining the end of the first cylindrical reservoir.
[0008] A second plunger is disposed within the second cylindrical reservoir and is movable between a second plunger start point and a second plunger end point. Moving the second plunger from the second plunger start point toward the second plunger end point reduces the space defined by the inner wall of the second cylindrical reservoir and the second plunger, resulting in the liquid medicament contained in the contracting space being dispensed from the second cylindrical reservoir. When the second plunger is positioned at the second plunger start point, the space for the liquid medicament within the second cylindrical reservoir is maximized. When the second plunger is positioned at the second plunger end point, the space for the liquid medicament within the second cylindrical reservoir is minimized. For example, the minimum space may be zero or close to zero, such that the second plunger abuts against the inner circular wall defining the end of the second cylindrical reservoir.
[0009] According to an embodiment, the maximum space of each of the first cylindrical reservoir and the second cylindrical reservoir may be 1 to 100 ml, preferably 1 to 50 ml, preferably 1 to 40 ml, preferably 1 to 30 ml, preferably 1 to 20 ml, preferably 1 to 10 ml, preferably 1 to 5 ml, preferably 1 to 3 ml.
[0010] The accuracy of dosing is an inherent property of the first and second cylindrical reservoirs. The accuracy is determined by the underlying structure, mechanics, and electronics of the first and second reservoirs, as well as any additional components of the medical dispensing device system, such as plungers and drivers, required to deliver a dose of liquid medication by manipulating the first and second reservoirs. By dispensing the total liquid volume of the medical dispensing device into two separate reservoirs, increased accuracy of dosing is achieved while avoiding the bulky form of the medical dispensing device associated with single-reservoir medical dispensing devices.
[0011] The driver of the medical dispensing device is configured to move the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir, e.g., in a direction from the first plunger start point toward the first plunger end point. The driver is further configured to move the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir, e.g., in a direction from the second plunger start point toward the second plunger end point. In embodiments, the driver is configured to move the first plunger and the second plunger continuously or in steps.
[0012] The drive unit can include a motor configured to move the first plunger from a first plunger start point to a first plunger end point within the first cylindrical reservoir and move the second plunger from a second plunger start point to a second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir. The drive unit can include a single motor configured to couple to either the first plunger rod or the second plunger rod at a time. Providing a single motor for driving the first plunger by the first plunger rod or the second plunger by the second plunger rod is particularly beneficial for ensuring that only one of the first plunger and the second plunger moves from its respective first plunger start point or second plunger start point to its respective first plunger end point or second plunger end point. Furthermore, a single motor type design is less expensive, more energy efficient, and lighter in weight than a two-motor design.
[0013] Alternatively, the drive unit can include a first motor and a second motor, where the first motor is configured to move the first plunger from a first plunger start point to a first plunger end point within the first cylindrical reservoir, and the second motor is configured to move the second plunger from a second plunger start point to a second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir. The first plunger advances from the first plunger start point to the first plunger end point within the first cylindrical reservoir by moving the first plunger with the first motor, while the second motor is in an idle state. In the idle state, the second motor provides a holding force that holds the second plunger in place to prevent unintentional movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir. The same principle applies when the second motor drives the second plunger to move from the second plunger start point to the second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir while the first motor is idle. The idle first motor helps prevent unintended movement of the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir, while the second motor drives the second plunger from the second plunger start point to the second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir. For example, each of the one or more motors can be an electric motor, particularly a stepper motor.
[0014] At any time, either the first plunger or the second plunger is moved by the driver, and liquid medicament is initially dispensed from the first cylindrical reservoir by advancing the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir from the first plunger start point toward the first plunger end point. The first plunger is moved within the first cylindrical reservoir from the first plunger start point toward the first plunger end point, while the second plunger is not moved within the second cylindrical reservoir. When the first plunger reaches the first plunger end point within the first cylindrical reservoir, movement of the first plunger stops. The required additional or remaining liquid medicament is dispensed by manipulating the second cylindrical reservoir. That is, after the first plunger reaches the first plunger end point within the first cylindrical reservoir, the driver moves the second plunger from the second plunger start point to the second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir. Thus, the first and second reservoirs are subsequently depleted in a chain reaction. The inherent metering inaccuracies associated with the first cylindrical reservoir and the inherent metering inaccuracies associated with the second cylindrical reservoir are not additive.
[0015] The subsequent depletion of the first and second cylindrical reservoirs in a cascade fashion is also advantageous because it can help maintain the overall quality of the liquid medication dispensed by the medical dispensing device. During use of the medical dispensing device, bodily fluids or other impurities may reach the first cylindrical reservoir. However, when the cylindrical reservoir is first used to dispense the liquid medication, the bodily fluids or other impurities are limited to the contents of the first cylindrical reservoir because the second cylindrical reservoir has not yet been used. Therefore, the quality of the liquid medication inside the second cylindrical reservoir is maintained until the first cylindrical reservoir is depleted and the liquid medication is dispensed from the second cylindrical reservoir.
[0016] The movement of the first plunger and the movement of the second plunger can be continuous or interrupted so that the liquid medicament is dispensed from the respective first and second cylindrical reservoirs in one or more portions of the liquid medicament.
[0017] The medical delivery device may be a body-wearable medical device, such as a patch pump that may be removably attached to the patient's skin at an insertion site by, for example, an adhesive or a body-mounting device. The medical delivery device may comprise a percutaneous element, such as a steel or soft cannula, that may be at least partially inserted into the patient's body.
[0018] For example, the liquid medication can be any liquid drug suitable for transdermal administration, including insulin or glucagon.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the driver is configured to block movement of the second plunger until the first plunger reaches the first plunger end point of the first cylindrical reservoir. Dispensing of the liquid medicament begins with the driver moving the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir in a direction from the first plunger start point toward the first plunger end point. To ensure that the first cylindrical reservoir is depleted first, movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir is blocked until the first plunger reaches the first plunger end point of the first cylindrical reservoir. The driver can be configured to unblock movement of the second plunger once the first plunger reaches the first plunger end point of the first cylindrical reservoir.
[0020] The driver may be configured to block movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir while the first plunger is moving within the first cylindrical reservoir, and / or the driver may be configured to block movement of the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir while the second plunger is moving within the second cylindrical reservoir. Blocking movement of the second plunger while the first plunger is moving within the first cylindrical reservoir helps to increase the safety of the medical dispensing device. When blocked, unintended and unregulated flow of liquid medication from the second cylindrical reservoir is prevented. Furthermore, blocking movement of the second plunger also prevents unintended movement of the second plunger from the second plunger end point toward the second plunger start point. Otherwise, negative pressure may be generated within the second cylindrical reservoir when the second plunger is unintendedly moved from the second plunger end point toward the second plunger start point. Negative pressure can cause the unintended flow of liquid medication or bodily fluids into the second cylindrical reservoir. Therefore, blocking movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir while the first plunger is being moved by the drive within the first cylindrical reservoir increases the accuracy of dispensing the liquid medication because the liquid medication dispensed from the first reservoir is not unintentionally drawn into the second cylindrical reservoir. Similarly, blocking movement of the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir while the second plunger is moving also serves to increase the safety of the medical dispensing device because the blocked movement of the first plunger prevents the liquid medication or bodily fluids from being unintentionally drawn into the first cylindrical reservoir.
[0021] The drive unit can include a mechanical blocking element. For example, non-limiting examples of mechanical blocking elements include a catch, a pawl, and a ratchet. Additionally or alternatively, the drive unit can include an electric or electromagnetic blocking element. The blocking element can be configured to be brought into and removed from a blocking position. However, in embodiments, the blocking element is configured to irreversibly block movement of the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir when the first plunger reaches a first plunger end point, and / or the blocking element is configured to irreversibly block movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir when the second plunger reaches a second plunger end point within the second cylindrical reservoir. This prevents the first and second cylindrical reservoirs from being reused after depletion. "Irreversible" in the sense of the present invention means that the blocking element cannot be removed from its respective blocking position without manipulating the medical dispensing device or a part thereof to act contrary to its purpose. In particular, the blocking element cannot be removed from its respective blocking position without damaging or destroying the medical dispensing device or a part thereof.
[0022] According to an embodiment, a medical dispensing device includes a first plunger rod configured to engage with a first plunger and a second plunger rod configured to engage with a second plunger, and a driver configured to selectively actuate either the first plunger rod or the second plunger rod. During use of the medical dispensing device, the first plunger rod transfers motion induced by the driver to the first plunger, which moves within the first cylindrical reservoir in a direction from the first plunger start point to the first plunger end point. Similarly, the second plunger rod transfers motion induced by the driver to the second plunger, which moves within the second cylindrical reservoir in a direction from the second plunger start point to the second plunger end point. The driver can engage the first plunger rod and the second plunger rod sequentially or selectively. Providing a first plunger rod and a second plunger rod allows the drive to be stationary while the respective first plunger and second plunger move relative to the drive with the assistance of the first plunger rod and the second plunger rod.
[0023] The drive unit can include a hinge and a coupling element, the coupling element configured to alternately couple the drive unit to the first plunger or the second plunger, and the hinge configured to selectively couple the coupling element to the first plunger and decouple it from the second plunger, or to decouple it from the first plunger and couple it to the second plunger, by rotational movement. The coupling element transmits motion induced by the drive unit to either the first plunger or the second plunger. A non-exhaustive list of examples of coupling elements includes a gear, a clutch, or a magnetic coupling. Multiple coupling elements can be present. For example, there can be a first coupling element configured to couple and decouple the first plunger to the drive unit, respectively, and a second coupling element configured to couple and decouple the second plunger to the drive unit, respectively. For the hinge, the coupling element is coupled to either the first plunger or the second plunger. The coupling element is hinged to move to engage or disengage with the respective first or second plunger. The coupling element may be directly coupled to the respective first or second plunger, or the coupling element may be indirectly coupled to the respective first or second plunger via a third or additional element. For example, the coupling element may include a gear wheel for selectively engaging the first and second plunger rods. Alternatively, the coupler may include a first gear wheel for engaging with the first plunger rod and a second gear wheel for engaging with the second plunger rod. The first and second plunger rods may be configured to be coupled to the respective first or second plunger, as described above.
[0024] The drive unit can include a sliding mechanism and a coupling element, the coupling element configured to alternately couple the drive unit to the first plunger or the second plunger, and the sliding mechanism configured to couple the coupling element to the first plunger and decouple the coupling element from the second plunger, or decouple the coupling element from the first plunger and couple the coupling element to the second plunger, respectively, by a sliding motion. Again, the coupling element transmits motion induced by the drive unit through the coupling element to the respective first or second plunger currently coupled to the drive unit. Shifting motion of the shift element couples the coupling element to the first plunger and decouples it from the second plunger. Similarly, shifting motion of the shift element in the opposite direction couples the coupling element to the second plunger and decouples it from the first plunger. The sliding element thus allows for at least a first state in which the first plunger is coupled to the drive unit via the coupling element while the second plunger is decoupled from the drive unit, and a second state in which the first plunger is decoupled from the drive unit and the second plunger is coupled to the drive unit via the coupling element. There can be a third state in which the first plunger is not coupled to the drive unit and the second plunger is not coupled to the drive unit. The coupling element can be directly coupled to the first plunger or the second plunger, respectively, or the coupling element can be indirectly coupled to the first plunger or the second plunger, respectively, via a third or further element. For example, the coupling element can be coupled or decoupled from a first plunger rod and a second plunger rod, the first plunger rod configured to transfer movement from the driver to the first plunger to move the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir, and the second plunger rod configured to transfer movement from the driver to the second plunger to move the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir. In addition to or as an alternative to comprising a hinge, the driver can comprise a sliding mechanism.In the case of including a sliding mechanism and a hinge, the same coupling element can always be used to couple the drive to the first plunger or the second plunger alternatively by combining sliding and rotational movements.
[0025] The first and second cylindrical reservoirs of the medical dispensing device can be oriented antiparallel to one another, and the drive portion includes a drive element configured to move the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir from a first plunger start point to a first plunger end point by rotational movement in a first direction and to move the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir from a second plunger start point to a second plunger end point by rotational movement in a second direction opposite the first direction. Because they are antiparallel to one another, the direction of movement of the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir from the first plunger start point to the first plunger end point is opposite to the direction of movement of the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir from the second plunger start point to the second plunger end point. This allows the first plunger and the second plunger to be selectively moved by selecting the direction of movement of the drive element. For example, the drive element may be configured to move the first plunger within the first cylindrical reservoir by rotational movement in a first direction, and may be further configured to move the second plunger within the second cylindrical reservoir by rotational movement in a second direction opposite to the first rotational movement.
[0026] The present invention further relates to a medical dispensing system comprising the medical dispensing device described herein; a remote control configured to communicate with and / or control the medical dispensing device; an infusion set device configured to couple to the medical dispensing device and deliver a liquid medication received from the medical dispensing device into a patient's body via an invasive infusion cannula; a body mount configured to attach the medical dispensing device to a user's skin; an insertion device configured to at least partially insert the invasive cannula into a patient's body; and at least one selected from the group consisting of: a body mount configured to attach the medical dispensing device to a user's skin; a rechargeable battery; and a rechargeable battery. The remote control configured to communicate with the medical dispensing device transmits data to and / or receives data from the medical dispensing device. For example, the transmission of data may be achieved by using a wireless data transfer protocol. Additionally or alternatively, the remote control configured to control the medical dispensing device transmits data to the medical dispensing device that triggers one or more control commands. During use, the infusion set device configured to couple to the medical dispensing device receives the liquid medication from the medical dispensing device and delivers the liquid medication into the patient's body via the invasive infusion cannula. The body mount configured to attach the medical dispensing device to the user's skin serves to keep the medical dispensing device close to the user's body. Furthermore, the body mount can be configured to removably attach the medical dispensing device to the user's body. For example, the body mount can be removably attached to the user's body by adhesive, and the medical dispensing device can be removably mounted to the body mount by a corresponding engaging element, such as a latch and a corresponding catch. The insertion device configured to at least partially insert the invasive infusion cannula into the patient's body provides a mechanism for at least partially automatically or semi-automatically introducing the invasive infusion cannula into the patient's body. The medical dispensing device system can include a rechargeable battery that provides energy for operating the medical dispensing device system or portions thereof, such as the medical dispensing device.
[0027] The medical dispensing device can be provided on an infusion set device, for example, the infusion set device can form a body mount configured to attach the medical dispensing device to the skin of a user and simultaneously be configured to deliver the liquid medication dispensed from the medical dispensing device into the patient's body via an invasive infusion cannula.
[0028] Further advantages, features and technical effects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] 1 shows a medical dispensing device 1 including a first cylindrical reservoir 2 and a second cylindrical reservoir 3. Both the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and the second cylindrical reservoir 3 are configured to contain a liquid medication, where, for example, the medical dispensing device 1 is an insulin patch pump and the liquid medication is insulin.
[0031] The first plunger 2a is movably disposed inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2. The first plunger 2a can be moved from the first plunger start point 2b toward the first plunger end point 2c. When the first plunger 2a is at the first plunger start point 2b, the space for the liquid drug inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 is maximum, and when the first plunger 2a is at the first plunger end point 2c, the space for the liquid drug inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 is minimum. When the first plunger 2a is advanced from the first plunger start point 2b toward the first plunger end point 2c, the space for the liquid drug decreases, and the liquid drug contained in the first cylindrical reservoir 2 is dispensed through the fluid line 7. The end of the fluid line 7 can be connected to a cannula or can form a cannula.
[0032] Similarly, the second plunger 3a is movably disposed within the second cylindrical reservoir 3. The second plunger 3a can be moved from the second plunger start point 3b toward the second plunger end point 3c. When the second plunger 3a is at the second plunger start point 3b, the space for the liquid drug within the second cylindrical reservoir 3 is maximum, and when the second plunger 3a is at the second plunger end point 3c, the space for the liquid drug within the second cylindrical reservoir 3 is minimum. When the second plunger 3a is advanced from the second plunger start point 3b toward the second plunger end point 3c, the space for the liquid drug decreases, and the liquid drug contained in the second cylindrical reservoir 3 is dispensed through the same fluid line 7 as the liquid drug dispensed from the first cylindrical reservoir 2.
[0033] The mobility of the first plunger 2a and the second plunger 3a is indicated by dashed lines showing that the first plunger 2a and the second plunger 3a are in different positions inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and the second cylindrical reservoir 3, respectively.
[0034] The medical dispensing device 1 further comprises a driver 4. The driver 4 is configured to move the first plunger 2a within the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and the second plunger 3a within the second cylindrical reservoir 3. The driver 4 is further configured to selectively move either the first plunger 2a or the second plunger 3a to subsequently deplete the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and the second cylindrical reservoir 3. Thus, during use, only one of the first plunger 2a or the second plunger 3a is moving, while the other of the first plunger 2a and the second plunger 3a is not moving and maintains its position within the respective cylindrical reservoir 2, 3.
[0035] First, the liquid medicament is dispensed from the first cylindrical reservoir 2 by moving the first plunger 2a in a direction from the first plunger start point 2b to the first plunger end point 2c within the first cylindrical reservoir 2. While the first plunger 2a is being moved, the second plunger 3 maintains its position within the second cylindrical reservoir 3, thereby preventing unintended flow of the liquid medicament from or to the second cylindrical reservoir 3. When the first plunger 2a reaches the first plunger end point 2c within the first cylindrical reservoir 2, the driver 4 stops moving the first plunger 2a but starts dispensing the liquid medicament from the second cylindrical reservoir 3 by moving the second plunger 3a in a direction from the second plunger start point 3b to the second plunger end point 3c within the second cylindrical reservoir 3. The position of the first plunger 2a within the first cylindrical reservoir is maintained. The first plunger 2a and second plunger 3a can be moved continuously or incrementally depending on the amount of liquid medication to be dispensed by the medical dispensing device.
[0036] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a medical dispensing device 1 according to another embodiment. The medical dispensing device 1 includes a first cylindrical reservoir 2 and a second cylindrical reservoir 3. A first plunger 2a is movably disposed inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2. When the first plunger is at the first plunger start point 2b, the space for the liquid medicament bounded by the first plunger 2a inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 is maximum, and when the first plunger is at the first plunger end point 2c, the space for the liquid medicament bounded by the first plunger 2a inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 is minimum.
[0037] Similarly, the second plunger 3a is movably disposed inside the second cylindrical reservoir 3. When the second plunger 3a is at the second plunger start point 2b, the space for the liquid medicament defined by the second plunger 3a inside the second cylindrical reservoir 3 is maximum, and when the second plunger is at the second plunger end point 3c, the space for the liquid medicament defined by the second plunger 3a inside the second cylindrical reservoir 3 is minimum.
[0038] The medical dispensing device further comprises a drive unit 4 configured to advance the first plunger 2a inside the first cylindrical reservoir 2 in a direction from the first plunger start point 2b to the first plunger end point 2c, and to advance the second plunger 3a inside the second cylindrical reservoir 3 in a direction from the second plunger start point 3b to the second plunger end point 3c.
[0039] The drive unit 4 includes a motor 4a. The motor 4a is configured to move a first plunger 2a within the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and a second plunger 3a within the second cylindrical reservoir 3. More specifically, the medical dispensing device 1 includes a first plunger rod 5 and a second plunger rod 6. The first plunger rod 5 is operably coupled to the first plunger 2a such that actuation of the first plunger rod 5 causes the first plunger 2a to be moved within the first cylindrical reservoir 2. Similarly, the second plunger rod 6 is operably coupled to the second plunger 3a. Thus, actuation of the second plunger rod 6 causes the second plunger 3a to be moved within the second cylindrical reservoir 3.
[0040] To actuate the first plunger rod 5 or the second plunger rod 6, i.e., when only one of the first plunger rod 5 and the second plunger rod 6 is actuated by the motor 4a at a time, the drive unit 4 further includes a sliding mechanism 4f and a coupling element 4e. The coupling element 4f in this embodiment includes two gears. One of the two gears is configured to engage with the first plunger rod 5, and the other of the two gears is configured to engage with the second plunger rod 6. The coupling element 4e is movable by the sliding mechanism 4f to engage with either the first plunger rod 5 or the second plunger rod 6. At one time, the sliding mechanism couples the first plunger rod 5 to the motor 4a of the drive unit 4 via the coupling element 4e, or the second plunger rod 6 to the motor 4a of the drive unit 4 via the coupling element 4e. Thus, the sliding mechanism 4f is configured to selectively couple the coupling element 4e to either the first plunger 2a or the second plunger 3a by a sliding motion. When the first plunger 2a is coupled to the motor 4a, the coupling element 4e is engaged with the first plunger rod 5 while the coupling element 4e is disengaged from the second plunger rod 6. Similarly, when the second plunger 2a is coupled to the motor 4a of the drive unit 4, the coupling element 4e and the first plunger rod 5 are disengaged while the coupling element 4e is engaged with the second plunger rod 6.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a medical dispensing device 1. This embodiment of a medical dispensing device 1 differs from the embodiment of the medical dispensing device 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the configuration of the drive unit 4. The drive unit 4 also comprises a motor 4a configured to actuate a first plunger rod 5 to move a first plunger 2a from a first plunger start point 2b to a first plunger end point 2c within the first cylindrical reservoir 2, and a motor 4a configured to actuate a second plunger rod 6 to move a second plunger 3a from a second plunger start point 3b to a second plunger end point 3c within the second cylindrical reservoir 3. However, instead of comprising a sliding mechanism 4f, the drive unit 4 of the embodiment of the medical dispensing device as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a hinge 4d.
[0042] The hinge 4d is configured to selectively couple the coupling element 4e to either the first plunger 2a via the first plunger rod 5 or the second plunger 3a via the second plunger rod 6 by a turning motion. When the coupling element 4e is coupled to the first plunger rod 5, the coupling element 4e is decoupled from the second plunger rod 6 such that the first plunger 2a is coupled to the motor 4a and the second plunger 3a is decoupled from the motor 4a. Thus, when the coupling element 4e is coupled to the second plunger rod 6, the coupling element 4e is decoupled from the first plunger rod 5 and the first plunger 2a is decoupled from the motor 4a while the second plunger 3a is coupled to the motor 4a. This allows the first plunger 2a to move within the first cylindrical reservoir 2 and the second plunger 3a to not move within the second cylindrical reservoir, and vice versa.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of a medical dispensing device 1. The medical dispensing device 1 as illustrated in FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment of the medical dispensing device described in FIG. 3 by including a drive unit 4 comprising a first motor 4b and a second motor 4c, rather than including a coupling element 4e associated with hinges 4d and 4e. The first motor 4b is configured to actuate a first plunger rod 5 to move a first plunger 2a within a first cylindrical reservoir 2 from a first plunger start point 2b to a first plunger end point 2c. Similarly, the second motor 4c is configured to actuate a second plunger rod 6 to move a second plunger 3a within a second cylindrical reservoir 3 from a second plunger start point 3b to a second plunger end point 3c. The first motor 4b is further configured to block the movement of the first plunger 2a when the first plunger 2a reaches its end point 2c by blocking the movement of the first plunger rod 5. The second motor 4c is configured to block the movement of the second plunger 3a when the first plunger 2a has not yet reached the first plunger end point 2c by blocking the movement of the second plunger rod 6. This makes it possible to prevent unintended flow of the liquid medicament from or to the second cylindrical reservoir 3 while the first plunger 2a is moving, and to prevent unintended flow of the liquid medicament from or to the first cylindrical reservoir 2 while the second plunger 3a is moving. [Explanation of symbols]
[0044] 1 Medical dispensing device 2. First cylindrical reservoir 2a First plunger 2b First plunger start point 2c First plunger end point 3 Second cylindrical reservoir 3a Second plunger 3b Second plunger start point 3c Second plunger end point 4 Drive unit 4a motor 4b First motor 4c Second Motor 4d hinge 4e Connecting Element 4f Sliding mechanism 5 First plunger rod 6 Second plunger rod 7 Fluid Lines
Claims
1. A medical dispensing device (1), comprising: a first cylindrical reservoir (2) adapted to contain a liquid medicament; a second cylindrical reservoir (3) adapted to contain a liquid medicament; a first plunger (2a) arranged inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) so as to be movable between a first plunger start point (2b) and a first plunger end point (2c), wherein when the first plunger (2a) is at the first plunger start point (2b), the space for the liquid medicament inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) bounded by the first plunger (2a) is maximum, and when the first plunger (2a) is at the first plunger end point (2c), the space for the liquid medicament inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) bounded by the first plunger (2a) is minimum; a second plunger (3a) movably arranged inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) between a second plunger start point (3b) and a second plunger end point (3c), wherein when the second plunger (3a) is at the second plunger start point (3b), the space for the liquid medicament inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) bounded by the second plunger (3a) is maximum, and when the second plunger (3a) is at the second plunger end point (3c), the space for the liquid medicament inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) bounded by the second plunger (3a) is minimum; a drive (4) configured to move the first plunger (2a) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) and further configured to move the second plunger (3a) inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3); Equipped with 1. The medical dispensing device (1), wherein the drive unit (4) is configured to selectively move either the first plunger (2a) or the second plunger (3a), and wherein the drive unit (4) is further configured to stop the movement of the first plunger (2a) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) and start the movement of the second plunger (3a) inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) when the first plunger (2a) reaches the first plunger end point (2c) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2).
2. 2. The medical dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive (4) is configured to block the movement of the second plunger (3a) until the first plunger (2a) reaches the end point (2c) of the first cylindrical reservoir (2).
3. 3. The medical dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive (4) is configured to block movement of the second plunger (3a) inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) while the first plunger (2a) is moving inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) and / or the drive (4) is configured to block movement of the first plunger (2a) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) while the second plunger (3a) is moving inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3).
4. The drive unit (4) comprises a motor (4a) configured to move the first plunger (2a) in the first cylindrical reservoir (2) in a direction from the first plunger start point (2b) to the first plunger end point (2c) and to move the second plunger (3a) in the second cylindrical reservoir (3) in a direction from the second plunger start point (3b) to the second plunger end point (3c), or the drive unit (4) comprises a first motor (4b) and a second motor (4c), 4. The medical dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one motor (4b) is configured to move the first plunger (2a) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) in a direction from the first plunger start point (2b) to the first plunger end point (2c), and the second motor (4c) is configured to move the second plunger (3a) inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) in a direction from the second plunger start point (3b) towards the second plunger end point (3c).
5. 5. The medical dispensing device (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the medical dispensing device (1) comprises a first plunger rod (5) configured to engage with the first plunger (2a) and a second plunger rod (6) configured to engage with the second plunger (3a), and the drive unit (4) is configured to selectively actuate either the first plunger rod (5) or the second plunger rod (6).
6. 6. The medical dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drive part (4) comprises a hinge (4d) and a coupling element (4e), the coupling element (4e) being configured to alternately couple the drive part to the first plunger (2a) or the second plunger (3a), the hinge (4d) being configured to, by a rotational movement, selectively couple the coupling element (4e) to the first plunger (2a) and decouple the coupling element (4e) from the second plunger (3a), or to decouple the coupling element (4e) from the first plunger (2a) and couple the coupling element (4e) to the second plunger (3a).
7. 7. The medical dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the drive unit (4) comprises a sliding mechanism (4f) and a coupling element (4e), the coupling element (4e) being configured to alternately couple the drive unit (4) to the first plunger (2a) or the second plunger (3a), the sliding mechanism (4f) being configured to selectively couple the coupling element (4e) to the first plunger (2a) and decouple the coupling element (4e) from the second plunger (3a) or to decouple the coupling element (4e) from the first plunger (2a) and couple the coupling element (4e) to the second plunger (3a) by a sliding movement.
8. 8. The medical dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first cylindrical reservoir (2) and the second cylindrical reservoir (3) are oriented antiparallel to each other, and the drive (4) comprises a drive element configured to move the first plunger (2a) inside the first cylindrical reservoir (2) in a direction from the first plunger start point (2b) towards the first plunger end point (2c) by a rotational movement in a first direction, and to move the second plunger (3a) inside the second cylindrical reservoir (3) in a direction from the second plunger start point (3b) towards the second plunger end point (3c) by a movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
9. A medical dispensing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a remote control configured to communicate with and / or control said medical dispensing device (1); an infusion set device configured to couple to said medical dispensing device (1) and configured to deliver a liquid medication received from said medical dispensing device (1) into the patient's body via an invasive infusion cannula; a body mount configured to attach the medical dispensing device (1) to the skin of a user; an insertion device configured to insert an invasive infusion cannula at least partially into the patient's body; and ・Rechargeable battery and at least one selected from the group 1. A medical distribution system comprising:
10. 10. The medical distribution system of claim 9, wherein the medical distribution device (1) is provided in the infusion set device.