Flow Detector with Heating Element for Insulin Pump Occlusion Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin pump devices face issues such as large size and weight, long delivery tubing, high cost, lack of flow feedback, and potential for severe medical complications due to occlusions, air bubbles, and leakage, which can lead to severe hyperglycemia and diabetes ketoacidosis.
Innovation Solution
A two-part portable fluid delivery device with a reusable part containing a rotary motor and flow detector, including a heating element and temperature sensors, paired with a disposable part having a reservoir and delivery tube, allowing for real-time monitoring of fluid flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow detector with heating element and temperature sensors is integrated into the reusable part, then flow monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable part containing the flow detector (heating element and temperature sensors) and a disposable part containing the reservoir and delivery tube. This segmentation allows the complex flow monitoring components to be reused while the disposable part can be easily replaced, resolving the contradiction between improved flow monitoring capability and increased device complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time flow monitoring is implemented, then detection of occlusions and air bubbles is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable part (reservoir and delivery tube) that can be easily manufactured and replaced. By placing the expensive flow detector in the reusable part and using simple disposable components, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining real-time detection capability through the reusable flow monitoring system.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and discreet, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of delivery decreases due to potential occlusions and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detector provides real-time feedback on fluid flow conditions by monitoring temperature changes caused by fluid passage. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect occlusions, air bubbles, and leakage promptly, maintaining delivery reliability even in a portable, discreet device configuration.
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 a cost-effective, discreet, and customizable insulin delivery solution that promptly detects occlusions, air bubbles, and leakage, reducing the risk of severe medical complications and improving delivery accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The flow detector comprises at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors
Implementation Method 2
The flow detector comprises at least one heating element and at least two temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A portable therapeutic fluid delivery device with a flow detector comprising a heating element and two temperature sensors is presented. Upon activation of the heating element, a flow condition of the fluid inside the delivery tube is determined based on a signal provided by the temperature sensors. A temperature gradient within the therapeutic fluid is detected. The determined flow condition can be one of: air bubbles within the delivery tube, occlusion within the delivery tube, or leakage within the delivery tube. The device can have two parts, for example, a reusable part and a disposable part. Upon pairing of these parts, the heating element and the temperature sensors touch the delivery tube.