Infusion Pump Cartridge Adapter for Variable Size Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical infusion pump systems are limited by the interdependency of cartridge size and pump device, restricting the flexibility to use various medication sizes, as manufacturers design systems around a specific cartridge size, limiting patient treatment options.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that allows for the use of different cartridge sizes with an infusion pump, featuring a hollow housing with a canula or needle for piercing the septum and a standard luer connection, along with a spring mechanism or shock-absorbing elements to accommodate various cartridges and prevent medication flow without proper connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the infusion pump is designed with a fixed cavity size for a specific cartridge, then the pump structure is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to use different cartridge sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component between the infusion pump cavity and the cartridge. The adapter has a receiving space that can accommodate different cartridge sizes, while its outer structure fits within the fixed pump cavity. This mediator allows the pump to work with various cartridge dimensions without requiring multiple cavity designs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into three independent segments: the infusion pump with fixed cavity, the adapter with variable receiving space, and the cartridge with different sizes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pump maintains its simple fixed structure, the adapter provides size adaptability, and the cartridges come in various dimensions. The adapter acts as a buffer that absorbs the variability, preventing it from propagating to the pump structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter includes a spring mechanism to accommodate various cartridges, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter design utilizes parameter changes in the form of a spring mechanism that can compress and expand to accommodate different cartridge lengths and diameters. The spring's physical parameters (coil count, wire diameter, free length) are optimized to provide the necessary range of motion while maintaining a compact structure. This allows a single adapter design to handle multiple cartridge sizes without requiring multiple discrete adapter variants, balancing adaptability with manufacturability.
3Reliability
If the adapter encases the cartridge securely, then the reliability of medication delivery is improved, but the ease of cartridge replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs dynamic elements including a spring mechanism and movable plunger that automatically adjust to the inserted cartridge. The spring provides continuous contact force to maintain secure connection, while the plunger can move to accommodate different cartridge positions. These dynamic features ensure reliable sealing and connection without requiring complex locking mechanisms, allowing easy cartridge replacement while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to an infusion system (10) for pumping fluid into a body of a user. The infusion system has an infusion pump (12), wherein the infusion pump (12) has a housing (21), where the housing includes a cavity (30). A fluid storing means (15) is removably inserted into the cavity (30) of the housing. The fluid storing means (15) comprises a cartridge (140) and an adapter (16) that is connected to the cartridge (14) such that the adapter encases the cartridge. In addition the infusion system has an infusion set (20) removably connected to the fluid storing means (15).