Dual-Button Manual Infusion Pump Prevents Accidental Bolus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable insulin infusion pumps are bulky, expensive, and inconvenient, with limitations in remote control dependency, accidental bolus delivery risks, and inadequate customization for varying user needs, particularly in terms of bolus dosage administration.
Innovation Solution
A portable therapeutic fluid delivery device with a housing securable to the patient's body, featuring a reservoir, a dispensing mechanism, memory for dose storage, and a controller that initiates fluid delivery upon simultaneous or sequential activation of multiple bolus buttons, preventing accidental initiation and allowing for customizable and discreet bolus dosage administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single bolus button is used for manual bolus delivery, then the device is simple to operate, but accidental bolus delivery can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The single bolus button is segmented into two separate buttons (first bolus button and second bolus button). Both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to activate bolus delivery, which prevents accidental activation while maintaining ease of use when intended. This segmentation divides the control function into multiple independent elements that must cooperate to produce the desired effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by requiring two buttons to be pressed simultaneously before bolus delivery can occur. This pre-established safety mechanism counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental single-button pressing by designing the activation condition to be inherently resistant to unintended triggering.
2Device complexity
If a fixed accumulator volume is used for bolus delivery, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying patient needs (e.g., children vs. adults)
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator volume is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows selection of different accumulator volumes (e.g., 0.2 units, 0.5 units, 1.0 units) to match different patient requirements. This enables the same device structure to adapt to various scenarios such as pediatric versus adult patients, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter of accumulator volume is made changeable. The system provides multiple accumulator volume options that can be selected based on patient needs, allowing the bolus delivery capability to be adjusted without changing the fundamental device architecture. This parameter customization enables a single device design to serve diverse patient populations.
3Measurement precision
If remote control is required for bolus delivery, then precision control is achieved, but patient independence is reduced when remote control is lost or malfunctioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing manual bolus buttons that allow the patient to independently initiate bolus delivery without requiring external remote control. The dual-button safety mechanism is integrated directly into the device, allowing patients to autonomously manage their own bolus needs while maintaining precision control through the programmed dosage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by combining both remote control capability and manual button operation in a single system. The manual bolus buttons serve as a backup and standalone mechanism that works independently of the remote control, ensuring the system remains functional and patient-independent in various conditions.
4Device complexity
If bulky devices are used for insulin delivery, then all necessary components can be included, but the device disturbs regular activities like sleeping and swimming
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the bolus delivery control function from the main device body and places it on separate, accessible buttons on the device surface. This allows the main device to remain compact and comfortable for wear while the bolus control functionality is available through discrete, easily accessible buttons that do not add bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the reservoir, pump, and control components are integrated within a compact housing that adheres to the skin. The dual-button control mechanism is nested within the device interface, allowing complete functionality in a space-efficient design that does not interfere with daily activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable therapeutic fluid delivery device and a method for delivering a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient are provided. In one aspect the therapeutic fluid delivery device and the method can be implemented using at least one housing securable to the body of the patient, a reservoir coupled to the at least one housing, a therapeutic fluid dispensing mechanism, a memory component, a controller, at least one bolus delivery button configured to signal the controller to initiate the delivery of the therapeutic fluid into the body of the patient; and, an inadvertent initiation prevention mechanism adapted for preventing the patient from activating the at least one bolus delivery button.