Wearable Infusion Patch Adhesive for Secure Attachment and Skin Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, and require improved methods for fluid delivery and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for controlling medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission, a user interface for monitoring and control, and an adhesive patch system for secure attachment of medical devices to the body, along with a method for filling reservoirs and a base station for infusion devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable medical devices are made smaller and lighter, then ease of operation and patient comfort improve, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The medical device system is divided into multiple components: a wearable portion (reservoir, pump, control circuitry) and a separate base station (charging dock, communication interface). This segmentation allows the wearable portion to remain small and lightweight while housing only essential functions, reducing patient burden without compromising overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: charging the wearable device, receiving data transmissions, providing user interface capabilities, and storing historical data. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single stationary unit, allowing the wearable portion to remain simple and lightweight.
2Productivity
If electronic control systems are added to portable devices for automated drug delivery, then productivity and duration of action improve, but reliability concerns increase due to potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor fluid reservoir levels, pump operation status, and delivery accuracy. This feedback is transmitted to the control circuitry, which automatically adjusts pump parameters to maintain precise dosing and detect anomalies, ensuring reliable automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes backup power sources (rechargeable battery with external charging capability), redundant sensors, and error-detection algorithms that prevent malfunctions before they occur. The base station provides data backup and system diagnostics to identify and correct potential issues proactively.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive patch systems are used for secure device attachment, then ease of operation improves, but skin irritation and comfort issues may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch uses different adhesive materials in different regions: a strong medical-grade adhesive around the device perimeter for secure attachment, and a hypoallergenic or no-adhesive region in the center where it contacts the skin directly. This localized variation provides secure attachment while minimizing skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch incorporates a flexible, breathable membrane between the adhesive and the skin that allows skin to breathe and reduces moisture buildup. This thin film layer maintains secure attachment while minimizing irritation and discomfort during extended wear.
4Loss of information
If wireless communication capabilities are added to portable devices, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system transmits data in periodic bursts rather than continuously. The device synchronizes data transmissions with base station availability, sending information only when needed (e.g., after reservoir refilling, at scheduled intervals, or when alarms are triggered), significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining complete data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex communication protocols, data processing, and signal modulation functions are extracted from the wearable device and implemented in the base station. The wearable portion contains only minimal transmission hardware for sending simple data packets, reducing its power consumption and complexity while the base station handles sophisticated communication tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir for containing a fluidic medium, the reservoir including a front surface, a resilient cylindrical flexure portion connected to the front surface, the resilient cylindrical flexure portion comprising an accordion-like structure that is able to expand and contract to change an interior volume within the resilient cylindrical flexure portion, a central passageway within the resilient cylindrical flexure, and a collection chamber connected to the central passageway. Also, a system including a reservoir, a plunger head located within the reservoir, a plunger arm connected to the plunger head, a driving shaft connected to the plunger arm, and a motor connected to the driving shaft, the motor controllable to move the drive shaft in a first motion and a second motion so as to move the advance plunger head and retract the plunger head within the reservoir.