Skin-Attached Cradle Optical Indication for Insulin Pump Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin pumps for Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) therapy lack effective visual feedback mechanisms for patients, making it difficult to monitor glucose levels and device operational states without removing the pump from the skin, which is inconvenient and may lead to missed alerts for potential issues like low glucose or empty reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A cradle system with a skin-attachment mechanism and an electronically controlled optical indication device, such as LEDs or electrochromatic materials, that provides visual cues for glucose levels, device operational states, and alerts, allowing continuous monitoring without detaching the pump from the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insulin pump is kept attached to the skin for continuous therapy, then patient convenience and continuous insulin delivery are improved, but the ability to monitor glucose levels and device operational states deteriorates because visual feedback mechanisms are inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical dimension to the skin-attached pump system by integrating LEDs or electrochromatic materials that emit or reflect light visible to the patient. This adds a visual information channel that works while the device remains attached to the skin, resolving the contradiction between continuous attachment and information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical indication device acts as an intermediary between the pump's internal sensors and the patient's visual system. It translates internal device states (glucose levels, operational status) into external visual signals that can be perceived without removing the pump, bridging the information gap.
2Loss of information
If the pump is removed from the skin to check glucose levels or operational states, then visual feedback is improved, but patient convenience and continuous therapy are worsened due to frequent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous visual feedback through optical indicators that constantly display glucose levels and device operational states directly on or near the patient's skin. This eliminates the need for periodic removal to check status, as information is continuously available in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system provides its own monitoring function through integrated optical indicators that automatically display operational status and glucose levels without requiring external monitoring devices or patient intervention to remove the pump for checking.
3Loss of information
If traditional visual indicators are added to the pump, then information feedback is improved, but device complexity and footprint are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual indication function with the existing pump structure by integrating LEDs into the pump housing or using electrochromatic materials applied to the pump surface. This combines multiple functions (insulin delivery and visual feedback) into a single integrated device without adding separate monitoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrochromatic materials that change optical properties in response to electrical signals, creating a visual display that copies or represents internal device states without requiring physical displays or additional mechanical indicator components.
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
Enables patients to monitor glucose levels and receive alerts about device operational states or hazards without removing the insulin pump, enhancing convenience and safety by providing continuous visual feedback directly on the skin.
Implementation Method 1
the optical indication device includes at least one of an electrochromatic device, an organic or non-organic light emitting diode, or a liquid crystal element
Implementation Method 2
the optical indication device includes at least one of an electrochromatic device, an organic or non-organic light emitting diode, or a liquid crystal element
Implementation Method 3
the optical indication device includes at least one of an electrochromatic device, an organic or non-organic light emitting diode, or a liquid crystal element
Data Source
AI summary
A cradle and methods of using embodiments of the cradle are described. The cradle has a proximal side and a distal side, where the proximal side has a skin attachment member for releasable attachment to a patient's skin. The distal side includes a device attachment member configured to attach an initially separate medical device. The cradle comprises an electronically controlled optical indication device, the electronically controlled optical indication device being configured to provide optical indications to the patient when the cradle is attached to the patient's skin.