Arm Cast Infusion Unit Eliminates External Hoses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion systems are cumbersome and pose mobility issues for patients, as they require external hoses and pumps, increasing the risk of vein damage and infection, and are not suitable for outpatient use due to the need for frequent medical supervision and potential tampering risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, portable infusion unit resembling an arm cast with integrated power, communication, and medication distribution, featuring a secure and tamper-proof design with stepper motors for precise dosing, wireless monitoring, and a GPS for remote patient tracking, eliminating external hoses and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infusion systems use external hoses and pumps, then medication can be delivered to patients, but patient mobility is restricted and risk of vein damage and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump, medication reservoir, power supply, and control systems into a single integrated infusion unit that is secured around the patient's arm. This eliminates external hoses and connects the needle directly to the patient's vein through a secure attachment mechanism, thereby improving reliability by reducing infection risk while maintaining patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion unit acts as an intermediary device between the medication source and the patient's vein. It includes a secure attachment mechanism with a needle that directly connects to the vein without requiring external hoses, thereby eliminating the intermediary hose that could introduce infection or restrict mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional infusion systems are used in hospitals, then medication can be monitored and administered, but the systems are cumbersome and not suitable for outpatient use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions including pump operation, medication storage, power supply, wireless communication, and GPS tracking into a single portable unit. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining versatility, making the device suitable for outpatient and home use without requiring hospital infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve various settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home environments. It includes wireless monitoring capabilities, GPS tracking, and secure tamper-proof design that enables versatile use across different care settings without requiring separate systems.
3Reliability
If external pumps and hoses are used, then medication delivery can be controlled, but the risk of tampering and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion unit incorporates automated control systems with wireless communication capabilities that allow remote monitoring and adjustment of medication delivery. The system includes GPS tracking, tamper detection, and automated dosing control that reduces human intervention and minimizes errors while maintaining reliable medication delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes wireless monitoring and communication systems that provide real-time feedback on medication delivery status, patient location via GPS, and tamper detection. This feedback mechanism allows remote monitoring and immediate response to any issues, thereby improving reliability while reducing the risk of tampering and human error.
4Ease of operation
If a self-contained portable unit is created, then patient mobility is improved, but the device must be compact and integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the needle assembly is contained within the infusion unit housing, which itself contains the pump, medication reservoir, and power supply. This nested arrangement allows all components to be integrated into a compact portable unit that maintains patient mobility while accommodating the necessary complex functionality.
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
Enhances patient mobility by securing the infusion site, minimizing the risk of vein damage and infection, allows for secure and controlled medication delivery, and enables remote monitoring and tampering detection, making it suitable for outpatient use.
Implementation Method 1
A battery-powered motor forces a plunger to slowly push medication through a needle into a patient's vein
Implementation Method 2
The GPS in the unit triangulates with satellites to locate the unit
Implementation Method 3
The unit is also wireless, meaning it can communicate with others wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements in an infusion unit are disclosed. The infusion unit is a portable pump that can be used with patient that have wrist access or decubital PICC/MID-LINES without the risk of line accidently getting pulled. The infusion unit is in the shape of a conveniently shell that has an appearance of an arm cast. There are no hoses that extend beyond the body of the infusion unit and any vein penetration is completely covered under the body of the infusion unit. The secure enclosed unit prevents unauthorized tampering and entry into the unit. The medication dosing can be remotely monitored, fusion resumed, changed by nursing and the patient. The infusion unit has a wireless connection to a network to adjust medication and monitor vital signs, namely heart rate, O2 level and blood pressure that can be monitored and recorded for review.