Disposable Infusion Pump Housing With Hinged Needle Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable drug delivery devices for parenteral administration face challenges such as malfunction, size, weight, cost, and frequent re-location issues, and require improved designs for controlled release of therapeutics.
Innovation Solution
A disposable housing assembly with a blowmolded reservoir and hinging door mechanism that creates a fluid connection between the reservoir and needle upon closure, using a gasket and catch features to secure the connection and prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable and wearable devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then automatic drug delivery is achieved, but malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate disposable housing assembly and pump components. The disposable housing contains the reservoir, needle, and fluid path, while the pump provides controlled delivery. This segmentation isolates the automated function to the pump while the disposable portion remains simple and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly with reservoir and needle is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization mechanisms, reducing potential points of failure while maintaining automated delivery functionality in the reusable pump.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for portability, then wearability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (reservoir, needle, fluid path, cover) are merged into a single integrated disposable housing assembly. The blow-molded construction combines these elements in one manufacturing process, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining compact size for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is positioned within the reservoir cavity, and the cover encloses both components. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the disposable housing assembly while keeping each component simple to manufacture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cover mechanism is added to protect needle, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is pre-positioned to protect the needle before use. The hinging mechanism with catch features is pre-configured to automatically secure the cover in the closed position, eliminating the need for additional locking steps or complex activation mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinging door acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the connection between the cover and housing. The catch features on both the cover and housing provide a simple mechanical interface that secures the cover without requiring complex fastening systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable housing assembly. The disposable housing assembly includes a reservoir cavity, a needle located within the reservoir cavity, a fluid path fluidly connected to the needle, and a cover, wherein the cover is in a first position, the reservoir cavity and needle are exposed and when the cover is in a second position, the reservoir and needle are not exposed.