Infusion Liquid Conditioning Flowpath for Longer Site Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion devices face challenges in maintaining infusion site viability due to infusion liquid degradation, inflammation, and scarring, which can be exacerbated by preservatives, necessitating frequent site changes.
Innovation Solution
A transferring and conditioning device with a flowpath and conditioner that preferentially directs liquid flow through separate passages, using a check valve and conditioner stages to remove impurities, add beneficial substances, and reduce preservative concentration, thereby prolonging infusion site viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infusion liquid is stored and transferred using conventional devices, then the liquid can be delivered to the patient, but the infusion site viability deteriorates due to degradation, inflammation, and scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary conditioning of the infusion liquid before it reaches the infusion site. The conditioner modifies the liquid properties in advance by removing preservatives and adding beneficial substances, preventing inflammation and scarring before they occur at the infusion site.
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioner acts as an intermediary between the storage reservoir and the infusion site. It processes the infusion liquid through multiple passages, with the second passage providing an alternative route that bypasses harmful conditioning, thereby protecting the infusion site from harmful effects while maintaining delivery function.
2Reliability
If the device uses a single passage for liquid flow, then the structure is simple, but the liquid cannot be selectively conditioned to remove impurities and preservatives
Solution Approach 1:
The flowpath is segmented into multiple passages (first passage with conditioner, second passage without conditioner). This segmentation allows selective routing of liquid through different paths based on conditioning requirements, enabling impurity removal while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flowpath have different qualities - the first passage contains conditioning elements for removing preservatives and adding beneficial substances, while the second passage provides an unconditioned alternative route. This local differentiation enables selective liquid treatment without requiring complete redesign of the entire flowpath.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If preservatives are added to infusion liquid for storage stability, then the liquid can be stored longer, but the preservatives cause inflammation and scarring at the infusion site
Solution Approach 1:
The conditioner extracts and removes preservatives from the infusion liquid through the first passage before the liquid reaches the infusion site. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of preservatives (inflammation and scarring) while the liquid maintains its storage stability benefits from having been preserved during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the harmful presence of preservatives into a benefit by using them as targets for removal. The conditioner specifically targets and removes preservatives that caused harm during storage, transforming their potential harm into a positive outcome by eliminating the harmful effects at the infusion site while maintaining storage stability.
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 device extends infusion site longevity by reducing inflammation and scarring, decreasing the need for frequent site changes, and maintaining infusion efficacy through targeted conditioning before infusion.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve at the second passage. The check valve is configured to cause liquid moving between the port and the container in a first direction to move preferentially via the first passage. The check valve is also configured to cause liquid moving between the port and the container in a second direction to move preferentially via the second passage
Implementation Method 2
The conditioner is configured to condition liquid moving between the port and the container via the first passage... remove impurities, add beneficial substances, and reduce preservative concentration
Data Source
AI summary
A device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a port through which the device receives and dispenses infusion liquid (e.g., insulin solution) and a container that holds the infusion liquid. The device also includes a hub at a flowpath extending between the port and the container. The hub defines a first passage and a second passage in parallel with one another. The device further includes a conditioner and a check valve at the first and second passages, respectively. The conditioner conditions liquid moving between the container and the port by passing the liquid through an adsorbent filter and a mechanical filter. The check valve causes liquid moving between the port and the container to move preferentially via the first passage when flowing in one direction and to move preferentially via the second passage when flowing in an opposite direction.