Bidirectional Infusion Liquid Conditioning to Reduce Site Inflammation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion devices face challenges in maintaining infusion site viability due to infusion liquid degradation, inflammation, and scarring, which can be exacerbated by preservatives and unpredictable storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transferring and conditioning device with a flowpath and conditioner that preferentially directs liquid flow through separate passages, utilizing a check valve and multiple conditioning stages to remove impurities and additives, and add beneficial substances, thereby prolonging infusion site viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infusion liquid is stored and transferred using conventional methods, then the liquid can be delivered to the patient, but the infusion site viability deteriorates due to liquid degradation, inflammation, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary conditioning of the infusion liquid before it contacts the infusion site. The conditioner modifies the liquid properties in advance by removing harmful preservatives and additives, and by adding beneficial substances, so that when the liquid is infused, it does not cause inflammation or scarring at the infusion site.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioner acts as an intermediary device between the infusion liquid storage and the infusion site. It processes the liquid through a flowpath with passages that enable conditioning operations, serving as a mediator that modifies the liquid to protect the infusion site from harmful effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
2Device complexity
If a single flowpath is used for liquid transfer, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid cannot be effectively conditioned without affecting flow direction
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is segmented into multiple passages within the conditioner, including a first passage and a second passage. This segmentation allows the liquid to be directed through different paths depending on the desired operation - one passage enables removal of harmful substances while another facilitates addition of beneficial substances, achieving effective conditioning without compromising structural simplicity.
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 device extends infusion site longevity by reducing inflammation and scarring, maintaining infusion efficacy, and minimizing the need for frequent site changes, thus enhancing patient convenience and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve at the second passage. The check valve is configured to cause liquid moving between the port and the container in a first direction to move preferentially via the first passage. The check valve is also configured to cause liquid moving between the port and the container in a second direction to move preferentially via the second passage
Data Source
AI summary
A device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a port through which the device receives and dispenses infusion liquid (e.g., insulin solution) and a container that holds the infusion liquid. The device also includes a hub at a flowpath extending between the port and the container. The hub defines a first passage and a second passage in parallel with one another. The device further includes a conditioner and a check valve at the first and second passages, respectively. The conditioner conditions liquid moving between the container and the port by passing the liquid through an adsorbent filter and a mechanical filter. The check valve causes liquid moving between the port and the container to move preferentially via the first passage when flowing in one direction and to move preferentially via the second passage when flowing in an opposite direction.