Wearable Infusion Pump Connector With Bubble Trap and Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable infusion pump devices suffer from malfunctions, size, weight, and cost issues, and require frequent re-location for application, posing challenges for effective and reliable delivery of therapeutic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump assembly with a reusable and disposable housing system, incorporating a fluid connector assembly, optical sensor for plunger position detection, and a controller for precise fluid delivery, along with a bubble trap to prevent air ingress, and a latching mechanism for secure attachment to a reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wearable infusion pump devices are designed to be portable and automatically deliver drugs, then patient convenience and adherence are improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a reusable pump unit and a disposable reservoir assembly. This segmentation allows the heavy battery and motor components to be separated from the fluid reservoir, reducing the weight that patients must carry continuously while maintaining automated delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of the fluid storage portion. This reduces long-term costs and improves patient convenience by eliminating re-location requirements.
2Ease of operation
If wearable infusion pump devices are designed to be portable and automatically deliver drugs, then patient convenience and adherence are improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the pump mechanism from the reservoir, the device volume is optimized. The compact pump unit can be worn on the body, while the reservoir can be stored or disposed of separately, reducing the overall volume that must be continuously carried.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir assembly eliminates the need for complex sterilization systems and maintenance components, reducing device size and manufacturing costs while improving patient convenience.
3Extent of automation
If existing wearable infusion pump devices are designed, then automated drug delivery is achieved, but malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed with built-in error prevention features that physically guide the reservoir into the correct position on the pump, eliminating operator error and ensuring reliable connection before use begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-latching mechanism automatically secures the reservoir to the pump without requiring manual intervention or complex alignment, reducing the opportunity for user error and improving reliability of the connection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing wearable infusion pump devices require frequent re-location for application, then skin irritation is reduced, but patient convenience and adherence decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable reservoir assembly is designed for single-use or limited-use applications, eliminating the need for re-location and repeated skin preparation. This maintains skin integrity while providing continuous automated delivery.
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 provides reliable, precise, and cost-effective delivery of therapeutic fluids with reduced malfunctions, improved durability, and ease of use by integrating reusable and disposable components for enhanced patient convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor assembly for sensing the starting position and ending position of the pump plunger distance of travel
Implementation Method 2
a latching feature located on a second end of the body portion, the latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a catch feature located on a first end of the body portion and configured to interact with a reservoir
Implementation Method 4
a bubble trap to prevent air ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector assembly is disclosed. The fluid connector assembly includes a body portion, a plug portion located on the body portion, the plug portion comprising a fluid path, a tubing, a first end of the tubing fluidly connected to the plug fluid path, a catch feature located on a first end of the body portion and configured to interact with a reservoir, and a latching feature located on a second end of the body portion, the latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the reservoir.