Infusion Device Back-Mounted Pump Module Space Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infusion devices are not space-efficient, making them cumbersome for bedside use in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units where multiple devices are required.

Innovation Solution

The infusion device features a housing with the disposable pump module attached to its back side, allowing for a compact, flat design resembling a smartphone, and a pivotable back part for easy attachment and detachment of disposable modules, along with a built-in battery for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the disposable pump module is attached to the front side of the housing, then the device structure is simple, but the device occupies more space and is less space-efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidspace efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable pump module is attached to the back side of the housing instead of the front side, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to achieve space efficiency. This allows the device to have a smaller footprint when placed on surfaces, enabling better organization and spacing in clinical environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the disposable pump module is attached to the back side of the housing, then space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a reusable housing containing the pump mechanism and a separate disposable pump module. This segmentation allows the disposable module to be attached to the back side of the housing, achieving space efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple infusion devices are placed at the bedside, then patient care requirements are met, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient care capabilityVSAvoidbedside space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By attaching the disposable pump module to the back side of the housing, the device achieves a compact, space-efficient form factor. This allows multiple infusion devices to be placed at the bedside without excessive space consumption, while still meeting patient care requirements through the ability to provide multiple infusion services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design enables a space-saving, portable infusion device that can be easily positioned and operated without external power, facilitating efficient use in clinical settings.

Implementation Method 1

The pump mechanism in this infusion device comprises a wobble device constituted to perform a wobbling pump action for acting onto a membrane of a disposable pump module. By locally depressing the membrane in a revolving fashion, a liquid is pumped through a pump channel of the disposal pump module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWobbling pump action:

Implementation Method 2

The back part is pivotable with respect to the housing when it is connected to the housing. To exchange the back part by another back part, the back part may be released from the housing such that it can be taken off the housing to connect another back part to the housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3268064B1Infusion device
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 FRESENIUS VIAL
  • EP3268064B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3268064B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP3268064B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An infusion device (1) comprises a housing (10) having a front side (102) and a back side (103) opposite to the front side (102). A display device (11) is arranged at the front side (102) of the housing (10). A pump mechanism (18) serves to act onto a disposable pump module (17, 4), the pump mechanism (18) being included in the housing (10). Herein, the housing (10) is constituted to receive the disposable pump module (17, 4) at the back side (103). In this way an infusion device is provided which allows placing a disposable pump module on the housing of the infusion device and which may offer space savings over existing infusion devices.