Disposable Infusion Device Snap Action Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin infusion devices for diabetes management are complex, costly, and require programming, making them unsuitable for many patients; there is a need for a simple, mechanically driven, battery-free device that can deliver both basal and bolus insulin doses accurately and safely without electronic controls, with varying insulin requirements and a focus on cost-effectiveness for disposable use.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion device featuring a reservoir, pump, and snap-action actuator mechanism that uses depressible or bendable members with cam surfaces and springs to control the delivery of insulin through a cannula, ensuring safe and accurate dosing without electronic programming, with features like adhesive skin attachment and safety valves to prevent accidental dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are used to deliver insulin, then delivery precision and control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical pump mechanism. The pump uses a plunger, barrel, and valve assembly that operates through mechanical displacement of insulin fluid. This mechanical substitution eliminates electronics while maintaining controlled delivery through precise mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all electronic components from the infusion device. By taking out batteries, circuits, and electronic control elements, the device achieves simplicity and disposability while relying on mechanical principles for insulin delivery control.
2Measurement precision
If electronic infusion pumps are programmed for basal and bolus insulin, then treatment accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pump is designed to be self-operating through simple mechanical displacement. The plunger moves insulin from the reservoir through the cannula without requiring programming or electronic control. The device serves itself through pure mechanical action, making it easier for patients to use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electronics to control mechanics, the patent inverts the approach by using pure mechanics to achieve what electronics traditionally controlled. The mechanical displacement directly controls insulin flow rates and dosing without intermediate electronic processing or programming steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable electronic pumps are manufactured, then device functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the entire infusion device as a disposable unit. The reservoir, pump, and cannula are integrated into a single-use device that can be manufactured inexpensively. After use, the entire device is discarded, eliminating the need for expensive reusable components and complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into simple, manufacturable components: a reservoir for insulin, a mechanical pump with plunger and barrel, valves for flow control, and a cannula for delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost and complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If mechanical pump components are simplified for disposability, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability of volume delivery may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the geometric parameters of the pump components. The plunger diameter, barrel length, and valve dimensions are precisely defined to ensure consistent insulin displacement. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves reliable volume delivery despite being a simple mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates safety features and design margins to compensate for potential variations in manufacturing or use. The mechanical pump is designed with sufficient precision built-in to account for normal manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable insulin delivery without requiring complex compensation mechanisms.
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 provides a convenient, safe, and cost-effective means of insulin delivery, addressing the complexity and cost issues of existing systems by enabling accurate and reliable basal and bolus insulin administration without electronic controls, ensuring patient safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The device may further comprise a spring that forces the second cam surface to translate in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to a patient, a pump that displaces a volume of the liquid medicament to the outlet port when actuated, and a control that actuates the pump. The control comprises a snap action actuator.