Fluid Reservoir Transfer Assembly for Filtered, Bubble-Reduced Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid infusion systems face challenges such as difficulty in use, site-loss due to inflammation and tissue encapsulation, occlusion of cannulas, and errors in transferring insulin from vials to reservoirs, leading to incorrect dosing and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer assembly comprising a reservoir with a plunger and needle system that allows direct transfer of medication from a vial to the reservoir, incorporating filters to remove particulates and minimize occlusions, and a design that reduces bubble formation during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If insulin is stored in a reservoir at ambient temperature within the pump, then the insulin therapy can be delivered continuously, but agglomerations develop in the insulin leading to accelerated inflammation and reduced wear time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing refrigeration or cooling mechanisms to maintain insulin at lower temperatures during storage and delivery, preventing agglomeration formation while enabling continuous delivery. This resolves the contradiction by modifying the storage condition parameter rather than discontinuing delivery.
2Ease of manufacture
If an intermediate transfer device such as a syringe is used to transfer insulin from vial to reservoir, then the transfer process can be performed, but mismeasurement of insulin and inadvertent introduction of air occur leading to incorrect dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transfer device with measurement and air-removal functions into an integrated system. The syringe or transfer mechanism includes built-in measurement markings and air-elimination features that work automatically during the transfer process, eliminating the need for separate measurement and air-removal steps that cause errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transfer mechanism that directly connects the vial to the reservoir with built-in measurement and air-trapping capabilities. This intermediary device serves as a controlled interface that prevents both mismeasurement and air introduction while enabling the transfer function.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple components and contacting surfaces are used in the transfer process, then the transfer can be performed, but maintaining sterility becomes difficult and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (vial interface, transfer mechanism, reservoir interface) into an integrated sterile system where all contacting surfaces are pre-sterilized and sealed together. This reduces the number of separate sterilization steps needed and minimizes opportunities for contamination during assembly and use.
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
Facilitates easy and accurate transfer of fluid medication with reduced occlusions and inflammation, prolonging cannula implantation duration and ensuring precise dosing.
Implementation Method 1
proximal movement of the plunger and vial relative to the reservoir draws the fluid medication out of the vial, through the needle, and into the interior region of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
incorporating filters to remove particulates and minimize occlusions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Fluid reservoir systems are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes a reservoir defining a cavity and a plunger slidably received within the cavity. The plunger includes a vial interface, a plunger rod extending distally from the vial interface, and a needle extending longitudinally through the plunger rod. The needle has an inlet end at the vial interface and an outlet end proximate a distal portion of the plunger rod. When an outlet end of a vial of fluid medication is coupled to the vial interface, the needle extends through a septum of the vial such that the inlet end of the needle is disposed within the vial. When the plunger is fluidly coupled to the vial, proximal movement of the plunger and vial relative to the reservoir draws the fluid medication out of the vial, through the needle, and into the interior region of the reservoir.