Flexible Wearable Injection Device Resolving Height Weight Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch pumps for frequent parenteral injections are cumbersome due to their rigid design and increased size, which leads to discomfort and dislodgement during patient movement, limiting their adoption for therapies requiring larger volumes and longer durations.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable injection devices with flexible bodies, reservoirs, and electronics that can bend and flex with the skin, reducing the device's profile and minimizing dislodgement, featuring materials like silicone, polyurethane rubber, and synthetic rubbers, and incorporating flexible reservoirs and pump mechanisms for efficient medicament delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional reservoirs and batteries are grown in size to last three days or more, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and height of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible membranes and thin-film structures for the reservoir and battery housing, allowing these components to be compressed and deformed to fit within a compact form factor. The flexible reservoir wall and thin-film battery packaging reduce overall device volume and weight while maintaining the required three-day operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamic compression and deformation of flexible components to accommodate the reservoir and battery within the pump housing. The flexible elements can be compressed during manufacturing and assembly, then expand to their full operational volume during use, allowing a compact device that delivers extended-duration therapy.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional reservoirs and batteries are grown in size to last three days or more, then the duration of action is improved, but the height of the device extending from skin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the traditional vertical stacking arrangement of pump components into a more compact, distributed three-dimensional layout. The reservoir, pump mechanism, and battery are arranged to utilize horizontal space and depth rather than primarily vertical height, allowing the device to extend less from the skin while maintaining three-day operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible thin-film structures enable the reservoir and battery to be compressed to minimal thickness, reducing the overall height profile of the device. These flexible components can be flattened and molded into compact shapes that fit within a low-profile pump housing, minimizing the distance from skin to device tip.
3Productivity
If a strong pump mechanism is used to overcome break loose and glide forces in conventional reservoirs, then the productivity is improved, but the size of the pump mechanism and battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional strong mechanical pump mechanism designed to overcome friction forces with a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pump. This electronic pump uses electrostatic or electromagnetic actuation to move medication through flexible channels, eliminating the need for high-force mechanical components while maintaining precise dosing capability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure differentials and hydraulic principles to move medication through the flexible reservoir and pump system. By using gas pressure or fluid pressure rather than mechanical force, the system achieves reliable medication dispensing with a much smaller, lighter pump mechanism that does not require high break-loose or glide forces.
4Strength
If rigid cases are used in patch pumps, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability to skin movement is worsened, causing dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid case structures with flexible housing made from elastomeric materials that can stretch and deform with skin movement. These flexible cases maintain structural integrity to protect internal components while simultaneously adapting to body contours and movement, preventing dislodgement during patient activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining flexible elastomers with reinforcement elements to create a housing that is both strong and flexible. This composite construction provides the necessary mechanical strength to protect the pump mechanism while allowing the case to bend and flex with the patient's skin, maintaining secure attachment during movement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wearable injection devices that comprise flexible elements. Exemplary devices can comprise flexible reservoirs, flexible housings, and flexible metering mechanisms. The flexible elements of the present disclosure provide improved wearable injection devices with small heights, low profiles, and streamlined, flexible cases that can withstand impact without experiencing adverse performance effects or tearing off of the patient.