Infusion Drive Mechanism With Timed Actuator Power Cutoff

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug infusion devices have high power consumption and poor reliability due to the linear actuator being fully controlled by a program unit, leading to prolonged power-on times.

Innovation Solution

A driving mechanism where a first switch unit directly controls power to the linear actuator, and a timer-controlled second switch unit cuts off the power supply circuit, reducing the power consumption and improving the efficacy of the infusion device, the driving unit is a direct and the technical novelty is a driving the efficacy of the technical solution, ensuring the effectiveness of the technical solution, and the technical application, the driving mechanism is applied in the field of medical instruments, specifically in drug infusion devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the linear actuator is fully controlled by a program unit with prolonged power-on times, then the driving function is ensured, but the power consumption increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using a timer to control the linear actuator in intermittent cycles rather than continuous operation. The timer switches the actuator on and off at predetermined intervals, reducing cumulative power consumption while maintaining effective driving function through periodic actuation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using a switch unit that detects the position or state of the driving unit and provides feedback signals to control the timer. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the power supply timing based on actual operational status, preventing unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliable driving completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the linear actuator operates for prolonged periods, then the driving task is completed, but the probability of fatigue fracture increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfusion reliabilityVSAvoidpowered time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic on-off cycles through the timer, the linear actuator avoids continuous prolonged operation that leads to fatigue fracture. The intermittent operation reduces cumulative stress on the actuator components while maintaining sufficient driving capability through repeated actuation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The timer provides beforehand cushioning by pre-determining optimal power supply intervals and durations. This preventive approach cushions against fatigue fracture by limiting the maximum continuous powered time and incorporating rest periods into the operational cycle, preventing the accumulation of damaging stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a program unit fully controls the power supply, then the control is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a timer unit for time-based control and a switch unit for power supply switching. This segmentation simplifies the overall control circuit complexity by dividing the control function into manageable, independent components with clear interfaces, while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The timer acts as an intermediary between the program unit and the linear actuator power supply. It translates comprehensive control requirements into simplified time-based switching signals, reducing the direct control complexity while maintaining precise control over the actuator's operation timing and duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 mechanism reduces power consumption and enhances reliability by shortening the powered time of the linear actuator, thereby reducing the probability of fatigue fracture and improving infusion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a linear actuator, electrically connected with the driving unit, pulling the driving unit to move in the driving direction after being powered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy to mechanical energy conversion: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP4251237B1A driving mechanism of a drug infusion device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 MEDTRUM TECH
  • EP4251237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4251237B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d
  • EP4251237B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

A driving mechanism of a drug infusion device, which comprises: at least one driving unit and at least one driving wheel, the driving unit, moving in the driving direction, can drive the driving wheel to rotate; a linear actuator, electrically connected with the driving unit, pulling the driving unit to move in the driving direction after being powered; a switch unit group, at least comprising a first switch unit and a second switch unit, the first switch unit electrically connected with the linear actuator; a power supply, the power supply, the switch unit group and the linear actuator are electrically connected to form a power supply circuit that supplies power to the linear actuator; when the linear actuator is powered, the driving unit implements driving, and the driving unit can trigger a first signal, indicating the end point of the driving direction, the first switch unit receiving the first signal to turn off to cut off the power to the linear actuator; and a program unit, including a timer electrically connected to the second switch unit, the timer controlling the second switch unit to turn off to cut off the power supply circuit, reducing the power consumption of the infusion device.