Wearable Infusion Pump Assembly With Acoustic Volume Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable and wearable infusion pump devices for delivering therapeutic fluids face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost issues, and often require frequent re-location on the skin for application, while also struggling to maintain consistent drug delivery schedules.

Innovation Solution

A wearable infusion pump system that includes a controller for calculating and adjusting a delivery trajectory and schedule based on real-time volume delivery, using a pump driven by a shape memory alloy and featuring a volume sensor assembly with acoustic energy emission to monitor fluid levels, allowing for precise and adaptive fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing portable infusion pump devices are used, then the device can deliver therapeutic fluids, but the device suffers from malfunction rates and requires frequent re-location on the skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery reliabilityVSAvoidfrequent re-location

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump mechanisms with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that uses thermal-mechanical coupling to drive fluid delivery. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and moving parts that cause malfunctions and require frequent re-location, while maintaining reliable therapeutic fluid delivery through the wearable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If existing wearable infusion pumps are used, then the device can be worn on the body, but the device struggles to maintain consistent drug delivery schedules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearable applicationVSAvoiddelivery consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using an acoustic sensor assembly that monitors fluid delivery in real-time. The sensor detects acoustic signals generated during fluid propulsion through the pump chamber, providing feedback to the control circuit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain consistent drug delivery schedules by adjusting pump operation based on actual delivery conditions, ensuring reliable performance in wearable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If traditional pump mechanisms are used, then the pump can deliver fluid, but the device experiences malfunction rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid deliveryVSAvoidmalfunction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump mechanisms with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that uses thermal-mechanical coupling to drive fluid delivery. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and moving parts that cause malfunctions, while maintaining reliable therapeutic fluid delivery through the wearable device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the pump system by using shape memory alloy actuators that respond to thermal input rather than traditional electrical or mechanical actuation. This parameter change from electrical/mechanical to thermal-mechanical operation simplifies the system, reduces malfunction rates, and maintains effective fluid delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If volume monitoring is implemented, then the system can track fluid delivery, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume measurementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic volume measurement systems with an acoustic sensor assembly that detects fluid volume through acoustic signals. The sensor monitors acoustic characteristics generated during fluid propulsion through the pump chamber, providing volume tracking capability through a simpler, more reliable acoustic-based measurement approach rather than complex electronic sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system ensures accurate and reliable delivery of therapeutic fluids, reduces the need for frequent re-location, and improves the overall efficiency and reliability of infusion pump technology.

Implementation Method 1

a pump driven by a shape memory alloy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

featuring a volume sensor assembly with acoustic energy emission to monitor fluid levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS12070574B2Apparatus, systems and methods for an infusion pump assembly

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 DEKA PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

A system for delivery of a volume of infusible fluid. The system includes a controller configured to calculate a trajectory for delivering infusible fluid, the trajectory comprising at least one volume of fluid, and determine a schedule for delivering the at least one volume of fluid according to the trajectory, wherein the schedule comprising an interval and a volume of infusible fluid for delivery. The system also includes a volume sensor assembly for determining the at least one volume of fluid delivered, wherein the controller recalculates the trajectory based on the volume of fluid delivered.