Adhesive Patch Pump Layout for Reliable Wearable Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, and require a solution for efficient and reliable delivery of fluids and compounds through the skin.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission, a user interface for monitoring and control, and an adhesive patch system for secure attachment to the body, enabling efficient and controlled delivery of fluids through a patch-sized pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable medical devices are made smaller and lighter, then patient comfort and wearability are improved, but device complexity and malfunction rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent adhesive patches, each containing specific functional components. This segmentation allows each patch to be small and lightweight while the collective system provides full functionality, reducing individual patch complexity and malfunction risk.
Solution Approach 2:
A repeater system acts as an intermediary between the wearable medical device and remote monitoring systems. The repeater receives signals from the device, extends communication range, and enables reliable monitoring without increasing device complexity or weight.
2Area of stationary object
If adhesive members are made larger in area, then attachment security is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system uses multiple small adhesive members distributed across the patch rather than one large adhesive area. Each small adhesive member provides sufficient attachment security while minimizing skin irritation through reduced contact area per member.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patch have different adhesive properties optimized for their specific functions. The adhesive members are strategically positioned and sized to provide secure attachment at critical points while leaving other areas non-adhesive for skin comfort and breathability.
3Reliability
If peripheral systems are added for monitoring and control, then device reliability and monitoring are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater serves as an intermediary that handles complex communication and monitoring functions externally. It receives simple signals from the wearable device, processes them, and communicates with remote systems, thereby enhancing monitoring capability without adding complexity to the wearable device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater system provides multiple functions including signal reception, signal transmission, range extension, and fault condition monitoring through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive members are arranged in multiple sets, then attachment security and comfort are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into multiple sets of adhesive members with distinct functions (first set for initial attachment, second set for reinforcement). This segmentation improves attachment security through staged application while allowing each set to be manufactured using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive members are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the patch during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper spacing and positioning for optimal performance while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.