Acoustic Volume Sensing for Precise Therapeutic Fluid Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, particularly in parenteral drug delivery systems that require precise administration of fluids like insulin, where maintaining a desired schedule is difficult for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dispensing therapeutic fluids using a pumping chamber with a force application assembly that restricts retrograde flow and pressurizes the chamber, incorporating a shape-memory actuator for actuation, and a tortuous flow-impedance conduit to manage fluid flow, with optional passive valves and sensors for feedback control and volume measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with electronic control and reservoir systems, then precise administration of fluids can be achieved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanically actuated pump mechanism. A plunger is moved by a spring-loaded piston system that uses mechanical force to dispense fluid through a needle. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for batteries, motors, and electronic circuitry, significantly reducing device weight while maintaining controlled fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a reservoir for fluid storage, a pump mechanism for controlled dispensing, a needle for administration, and a spring-loaded actuation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the device to be compact yet functional, addressing the contradiction between precision and weight.
2Productivity
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with electronic control systems, then controlled delivery can be achieved, but malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a spring-loaded piston system. When the user activates the device, the spring automatically drives the plunger to dispense the fluid without requiring external power sources or complex control electronics. This self-service mechanism reduces the number of potential failure points associated with electronic components, batteries, and motors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining controlled delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The device appears to be designed as a single-use or limited-use disposable unit. The reservoir, pump, needle, and actuation mechanism are integrated into a compact assembly that can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after use. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex electronic control systems while ensuring reliable, controlled delivery for the device's intended lifespan.
3Measurement precision
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with reservoir and electronic control, then precise fluid administration is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical pump mechanism. A plunger is moved by a spring-loaded piston that uses basic mechanical principles to control fluid flow through a needle. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining the capability for precise fluid administration through the mechanical displacement of the plunger.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir, pump mechanism, needle, and actuation system are merged into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate electronic control modules, wiring, and power sources, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise fluid delivery through the unified mechanical system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables reliable, efficient, and controlled delivery of therapeutic fluids, reducing malfunction rates and improving patient compliance by ensuring precise dosing and reducing device size and weight, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
actuating the force application assembly includes using a shape-memory actuator. Also optionally, using the shape-memory actuator includes inducing a phase change in a shape memory wire to transmit a force around a pulley to the force application assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining the volume of fluid dispensed. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and a measurement chamber with a loudspeaker and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the measurement chamber. The loudspeaker and sensing microphones are connected to the measurement chamber by separate ports. A detachable dispensing chamber is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor. The volume of the fluid dispensed is determined by a processor based on the acoustic response of the microphones to acoustic excitement by the loudspeaker.