Skin-Adhesive Infusion Patch With Electrostimulation for Faster Insulin Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin delivery methods result in slow absorption, leading to difficulty in maintaining blood sugar levels, with risks of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia, and physical exercise can exacerbate this issue, making it inconvenient or impossible in many circumstances.
Innovation Solution
An infusion device with electrodes that apply controllable electrostimulation voltage across the skin to enhance insulin absorption, using a controller to manage the electrostimulation based on blood sugar readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If subcutaneous injection is used for insulin delivery, then the injection method is simple and convenient, but the absorption speed is slow causing difficulty in maintaining blood sugar levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical subcutaneous injection system with an active electrostimulation system. Electrical stimulation is applied to the injection site to actively enhance insulin absorption by stimulating muscle contractions and increasing blood flow, thereby accelerating uptake without requiring mechanical exercise or manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physiological parameters at the injection site by applying electrical stimulation. This modifies local blood flow, muscle activity, and tissue permeability parameters to accelerate insulin absorption kinetics, transforming the passive absorption process into an actively controlled one with adjustable absorption rates.
2Speed
If physical exercise is applied to accelerate insulin absorption, then absorption speed increases, but blood sugar level increases due to simulated digestion and exercise inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical stimulation as an intermediary mechanism that achieves the physiological effects of exercise (muscle contraction, increased blood flow) without requiring actual physical exercise. This mediator transfers the beneficial absorption-accelerating effects while avoiding the harmful side effects of exercise-induced glucose production and inconvenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of slow absorption (which causes blood sugar fluctuations) into a beneficial controlled absorption process. By applying electrical stimulation, the system transforms the passive, unpredictable absorption into an active, controllable process that prevents both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia.
3Quantity of substance
If higher insulin dose is administered to compensate for slow absorption, then absorption completeness improves, but hypoglycaemia risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the insulin absorption process dynamic and adjustable through electrical stimulation. Instead of using a fixed high dose to compensate for slow absorption, the system dynamically controls absorption rate through可调 electrical parameters, allowing complete absorption while preventing overdose and subsequent hypoglycaemia.
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 enables faster and controlled insulin absorption, reducing the occurrence of lipohypertrophy and improving blood sugar level management.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to apply a controllable electrostimulation voltage across the first and second electrodes following delivery of the liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an infusion device, system and method. Example embodiments include an infusion device (100) comprising: a substrate (101) having first and second opposing surfaces (102, 103), the first surface (102) having an adhesive layer (104) for attachment to skin of a user; an injector assembly (105) having a cannula (106) for delivery of liquid through an aperture (109) in the substrate (101); first and second electrodes (107a, 107b) on the first surface of the substrate on opposing sides of the aperture (109); and a controller (110) configured to apply a controllable electrostimulation voltage across the first and second electrodes (107a, 107b) following delivery of the liquid.