Miniaturized Patch Pump With Deformable Needle Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump systems for subcutaneous fluid delivery are bulky and require separate components, lacking integration and efficient fluid management, particularly in miniaturized designs.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized patch pump system with an electronic assembly, reservoir, and inserter that transitions a needle from a retracted to an extended position, featuring a deformable needle and integrated fluid channel with filters and one-way valves for efficient fluid delivery, allowing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing pump systems use separate components for reservoir, pump, and infusion set, then fluid delivery function is achieved, but device size and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir, pump mechanism, needle inserter, and fluid delivery system into a single integrated patch pump device. The reservoir is positioned adjacent to the electronic assembly with direct fluid coupling through an integrated fluid channel, eliminating the need for separate tubing and external pump components. This merging of functions achieves miniaturization while maintaining complete fluid delivery capability.
2Reliability
If needle is kept extended for fluid delivery, then fluid can be delivered to user, but needle poses safety hazard when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The inserter mechanism allows the needle to be extended only when fluid delivery is required, and retracted when not in use. This dynamic positioning maintains safety by hiding the sharp needle tip while ensuring accessibility when needed for subcutaneous infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the inserter assembly before use. The system prepares for fluid delivery by having the needle already in place but hidden, ready to be extended only when the fluid delivery function is activated. This preliminary retraction ensures safety during storage and transport while enabling quick deployment when needed.
3Volume of moving object
If fluid channel is integrated into inserter, then device size is reduced, but fluid management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the reservoir with its base surface, the integrated fluid channel within the inserter assembly, and the needle delivery system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall integration, managing complexity through functional separation within the miniaturized structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fluid channel acts as an intermediary pathway connecting the reservoir to the needle tip. This intermediary structure enables fluid transfer within the compact inserter assembly, managing the fluid management function through a dedicated internal pathway that eliminates the need for external tubing while maintaining controlled fluid flow.
4Reliability
If filter is added to fluid channel, then fluid purity is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within the integrated fluid channel structure of the inserter assembly. By placing the filter inside the existing fluid pathway rather than as a separate external component, the patent achieves fluid purification functionality without significantly increasing the overall device volume. The filter is incorporated into the miniaturized fluid management system, maintaining compact dimensions while improving fluid purity.
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 achieves a compact size, efficient fluid delivery, and integrated components, reducing bulk while maintaining effective subcutaneous infusion capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the needle is elastically deformed to fit within the inserter in the retracted position and deflects through contact with the insertion angle component as the needle transitions from the retracted position to the extended position
Implementation Method 2
the filter at least partially filters one or more of phenol and meta-cresol residuals from fluid passing there through
Data Source
AI summary
A patch pump system that has an electronic assembly, a reservoir for containing a fluid, and an inserter for selectively transitioning a needle from a retracted position to an extended position. The inserter provides a fluid channel that selectively fluidly couples a distal tip of the needle to the reservoir. The needle is at least partially deformed as it transitions from the retracted position to the extended position and the electronic assembly selectively distributes fluid from the reservoir to the distal tip of the needle.