Integrated Filling Member Conduits for Compact Leak-Safe Patch Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patch pump designs face challenges in minimizing size, complexity, and preventing leaks while effectively delivering medicament, particularly due to the use of multiple tubes creating multiple flow paths and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A filling member with a first conduit fluidly connected to a reservoir and a second conduit connected to a pump, allowing two-way medicament flow for efficient and cost-effective delivery, reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tubes are used to create multiple flow paths for medicament delivery, then the reliability of medicament delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases and the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tubes into a single integrated filling member that contains multiple internal conduits. This filling member has a first conduit for filling the reservoir and a second conduit for delivering medicament to the pump, merging what would otherwise be separate external tubes into one unified component. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the necessary multiple flow paths for reliable medicament delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling member employs a nested structure where multiple conduits (first conduit and second conduit) are embedded within a single outer tube structure. The first conduit is positioned within or alongside the second conduit, allowing both flow paths to coexist within one physical component. This nesting approach eliminates the need for multiple separate tubes while preserving the functional separation of filling and delivery pathways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tubes are used to create multiple flow paths, then the medicament delivery function is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tube functions into a single filling member component that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This integrated approach simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be connected, while still providing the versatile functionality of multiple flow paths for both reservoir filling and pump delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling member serves multiple functions within a single component: it acts as both the filling conduit (first conduit) and the delivery conduit (second conduit) housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tubes for each function, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the adaptability required for effective medicament delivery.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented to minimize pump size, then the portability is improved, but the fluid path design becomes more complex and leak prevention becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested conduit structure where the first and second conduits are positioned within or alongside each other inside the compact filling member. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization, allowing multiple flow paths to coexist in a minimal volume, thereby enabling a compact pump design without compromising the separation of fluid paths or the ability to prevent leaks at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple tube functions into a single integrated filling member, the patent reduces the overall number of connection points and interfaces where leaks could occur. The unified structure of the filling member with its internal conduits provides fewer external joints and seals required, thereby improving leak prevention reliability while maintaining a compact form factor.
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and simplified fluid path design that minimizes leaks and complexity, ensuring reliable medicament delivery to the patient.
Implementation Method 1
a first conduit that fluidly communicates with a reservoir, and a second conduit that fluidly communicates with a pump and with the first conduit, wherein the filling member provides two-way medicament flow
Data Source
AI summary
A filling member in a medicament delivery device, the filling member comprising a first conduit that fluidly communicates with a reservoir, and a second conduit that fluidly communicates with a pump and with the first conduit, wherein the filling member provides two-way medicament flow that enters the reservoir via the first conduit, exits the reservoir into the first conduit and the second conduit, and exits the second conduit to the pump.