Dual Microcontroller Insulin Pump Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin pumps face issues such as high power consumption, limited monitoring capabilities for visually impaired or disabled users, potential for leaks and blockages, and inadequate display sizes and language support, necessitating a low-cost, energy-efficient, self-contained system with advanced monitoring and communication features.
Innovation Solution
A dual microcontroller-driven liquid infusion system with a micromotor, precision screw, and sensors for accurate dosing and monitoring, featuring a large LCD display, waterproof design, and USB connectivity for data transfer, enabling independent fault diagnostics and multi-language operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional microprocessors are used in infusion pumps, then processing capability is sufficient, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides monitoring functions into two independent microcontrollers: a main microcontroller for primary control and a secondary microcontroller dedicated to monitoring dose delivery, detecting faults (leaks, blockages, battery status), and providing redundancy. This segmentation allows the main controller to use low-power modes while the monitoring functions remain reliable and continuous.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary microcontroller autonomously monitors system parameters and detects faults without requiring continuous intervention from the main controller or external monitoring equipment. It independently tracks dose delivery accuracy, detects occlusions and leaks, and can trigger alarms, enabling the system to self-diagnose and self-report problems.
2Ease of operation
If patients visually inspect the system for monitoring, then no additional sensors are needed, but visually impaired or disabled patients cannot effectively monitor the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection with automated electronic sensors and microcontrollers that continuously monitor fluid flow, pressure, battery status, and dose delivery. Optical sensors detect liquid level and flow characteristics, while pressure sensors detect occlusions, eliminating the need for patient visual inspection and making the system accessible to visually impaired users.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring microcontroller continuously collects data from various sensors (flow sensors, pressure sensors, battery voltage sensors) and provides real-time feedback about system status. This feedback is processed to detect anomalies such as leaks, blockages, or improper dosing, and can trigger visual, audible, or tactile alarms to alert patients or clinicians of problems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solenoid actuators are used for pumping, then simple control is achieved, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solenoid actuators with a micromotor-driven peristaltic pumping system. The micromotor rotates at low speed to drive rollers that compress and release the tubing in a peristaltic motion, propelling fluid through the system. This mechanical substitution eliminates the high-power electromagnetic coils of solenoids, significantly reducing power consumption and eliminating the noise and vibration associated with solenoid operation.
4Area of stationary object
If small displays are used to maintain small device size, then portability is improved, but readability for users with vision problems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates a relatively large display screen within the compact pump housing by nesting components efficiently. The display is positioned to be viewable from the front of the device, and the overall form factor is maintained through careful arrangement of the reservoir, motor, battery, and control electronics in a space-optimized configuration that accommodates both large display and portability requirements.
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 system provides reliable, energy-efficient insulin delivery with enhanced monitoring and user-friendly operation, including fault detection and communication, suitable for diverse user needs and environments.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the precision screw causes the liquid container to discharge the drug
Data Source
AI summary
A highly reliable and robust functioning liquid infusion system for use in biomedical applications comprises a dual microcontroller system where the first microcontroller is configured to administer the liquid and the second microcontroller is configured to monitor the accurate functioning of the system and various performance parameters such as flow rate of liquid, presence of leaks or blocks in the liquid passage, level of drug in the cartridge and battery condition. The liquid injection portion comprises a cylindrical airtight liquid holder or drug cartridge with a movable internal piston that is in contact with a movable stem, and a micromotor, which controls the drug delivery. The system is programmable with a dosing system stored into the driver/monitor microcontrollers. A low power LCD module is used to display the operating parameters with multiple language interface and alarm conditions, if any. The system is also equipped with a system of sensors that trigger an alarm to indicate abnormal conditions.