Drug Infusion Device with Dynamic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery systems for subcutaneous injections lack precision in metering and monitoring, leading to patient discomfort and inefficiency due to variable injection rates and difficulties in tracking the amount of medicament administered.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fluid reservoir, controller, and actuator that calculates and dispenses precise doses of medicament, accompanied by a visual display for recording injection locations and tracking the number of units injected, using a processor to ensure accurate delivery and record-keeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow rate for each injection is increased to reduce procedure time, then productivity is improved, but patient discomfort increases due to high injection rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate during injection based on real-time pressure feedback. The controller modulates the pump speed to maintain optimal injection conditions, allowing faster overall procedure completion while preventing localized high-rate discomfort through continuous rate modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that provide real-time feedback on injection resistance. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the pump flow rate, ensuring patient comfort by reducing rate when resistance is high while maintaining overall productivity through efficient rate management.
2Device complexity
If manual tracking of injection amounts is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to cumbersome monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs measurement, calculation, and tracking of injection amounts without requiring manual intervention. The pump controller continuously monitors volume delivered, calculates units administered based on concentration, and maintains digital records, eliminating manual tracking errors while keeping the interface simple for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an electronic control system that automatically measures and records injection volumes. The digital system substitutes for manual calculation and paper recording, providing precise measurement and reliable tracking with minimal added complexity at the user interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated calculation and control systems are implemented, then manufacturing precision and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump controller serves multiple functions: it controls pump speed for precise flow rate, calculates injection volumes based on user input, tracks units administered, monitors pressure feedback, and maintains digital records. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves high precision without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the simple user interface and the complex pump mechanism. It translates user inputs into precise pump control commands while handling all calculations and monitoring functions, thereby shielding the user from complexity while maintaining high precision dose delivery.
4Reliability
If precise metering control is implemented, then reliability of dose delivery is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to additional controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs dose calculations, volume measurements, and delivery control based on minimal user input. The user simply specifies the desired dose, and the system handles all precise metering and tracking functions autonomously, maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for providing a plurality of injections from a fluid reservoir. The apparatus includes a fluid controller for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to a needle. An actuator selectively actuates the fluid controller to provide a dose of medicament from the fluid reservoir. The fluid controller also is configured to calculate the volume of fluid in the fluid reservoir required to provide a dose having a desired number of units of medicament for an injection. The apparatus may also include a detector configured to detect a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The method includes selecting the number of units to be dispensed during an injection, automatically calculating the injection volume required to dispense the selected number of units based on the calculated unit volume and tracking the total number of units dispensed during a series of injections.