Drug Pump Drive Mechanism with Integrated Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulatory infusion devices for parenteral drug delivery are expensive, difficult to program, bulky, fragile, and require specialized care, limiting their accessibility and cost-effectiveness for patients and healthcare providers, while manually operated syringes and injection pens lack precision and reliability for adjustable drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A drug pump drive mechanism with integrated status indication features, including a drive housing, status switch interconnect, drive biasing member, piston, and drug container, providing feedback on system readiness, drug delivery status, and end-of-dose indication to ensure accurate dose delivery and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ambulatory infusion pumps are used for precise and adjustable drug delivery, then delivery precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into modular components: a ratchet mechanism for unidirectional drive engagement, a reversible motor for bidirectional rotation, and integrated status indication switches. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise drug delivery through coordinated simple parts rather than a complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism incorporates automatic status indication through integrated switches that detect piston position and drive engagement state without requiring external sensors or complex electronics. The system self-monitors its own operational state (ready, delivering, completed) and communicates this information, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If ambulatory infusion pumps are used for sophisticated fluid delivery profiles, then therapy efficacy is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism includes integrated status indication switches that provide real-time feedback on operational state (ready, delivering, completed). This feedback system allows users to easily monitor therapy progress and understand device status without complex interfaces, improving ease of operation while ensuring reliable therapy delivery through continuous status monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex electronic control systems are replaced with a mechanically-based ratchet and reversible motor system. The ratchet mechanism provides inherent mechanical control for unidirectional drive engagement, while the reversible motor handles bidirectional rotation. This mechanical substitution simplifies the control system, making the device easier to operate while maintaining reliable sophisticated fluid delivery profiles.
3Device complexity
If traditional syringes and injection pens are used for drug delivery, then device simplicity and low cost are improved, but delivery precision and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simplicity of traditional syringe-based mechanical drive with the precision control of pump systems. The ratchet mechanism combines with a reversible motor to create a unified drive system that maintains mechanical simplicity while achieving precise, adjustable drug delivery through coordinated interaction of simple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism incorporates automatic status indication through integrated switches that detect piston position and drive engagement state without requiring external sensors or complex electronics. The system self-monitors its own operational state and communicates this information, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.
4Reliability
If current infusion devices are used, then drug delivery capability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into modular components: a ratchet mechanism for unidirectional drive engagement, a reversible motor for bidirectional rotation, and integrated status indication switches. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise drug delivery through coordinated simple parts rather than a complex monolithic system.
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 solution offers a compact, reliable, and cost-effective drug delivery system that provides precise and adjustable infusion, ensuring accurate drug delivery with integrated status indication features, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member adapted to move from an energized first position to a de-energized second position as a result of the release of energy
Implementation Method 2
The retainer is disposed to maintain the biasing member in the energized first position when the retainer is in a retaining first position, and to release the biasing member from the first energized position when the retainer moves to a releasing second position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A drive mechanism 2100, 3100 includes a housing 2130, a piston 2110 adapted to impart movement to a plunger seal 2060 within a drug container 2050, a plurality of biasing members 2106, 2122 disposed in parallel, and a retainer 2115. The biasing members 2106, 2122 are disposed to release energy to cause movement of the piston 2110 from a retracted first position to the extended second position, the piston 2110 bearing against the plunger seal 2060 to dispense medicine. The retainer 2115 is disposed to maintain the biasing members 2106, 2122 in the energized position and to release the biasing members 2106, 2122 to permit the piston 2110 to dispense the medicine. The drive mechanism 2100, 3100 may also include an end-of-dose indicator 2133, 3133 to identify at least one of when the sleeve assembly 2120, 3120 is disposed subjacent a window 2131, 3131 in the housing 2130, 3130 the relative motion of the sleeve assembly 2120, 3120 with reference to the window 2131, 3131 or another reference component, the stoppage of such motion, and the rated or change of rate of motion.