Infusion Pump Illumination Instrument for Low-Light Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infusion pump systems lack adequate illumination for users to inspect infusion sites and components in low-light conditions, making it difficult to verify proper embedding of infusion set cannulas and monitor pump operation effectively.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a selectively activated illumination instrument within the infusion pump system, which includes a light source that can be directed externally to illuminate targeted sites, such as the infusion site on the user's skin or the pump device, providing dedicated lighting for visual inspection and operation monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If no illumination instrument is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to inspect infusion sites and components in low-light conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to inspect infusion sites and componentsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the infusion pump and simultaneously houses an illumination instrument for inspecting infusion sites and components. This multi-functionality allows the single device to address both pump control and visual inspection needs, improving ease of operation without requiring separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination instrument is integrated within the controller device housing, combining the lighting function with the control functions. This merging of functions into a single device reduces the number of separate components the user must handle and provides comprehensive functionality in one unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Illumination intensity

If a dedicated illumination instrument is added, then the illumination intensity for inspection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination instrument includes a light source positioned to provide localized illumination at the infusion site. The lighting is directed specifically where needed for inspection rather than providing general ambient light, ensuring adequate illumination intensity at the target area while keeping the overall device design focused and purposeful.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 illumination instrument enhances user ability to inspect and verify the proper embedding of infusion set cannulas and monitor pump operation in low-light conditions, ensuring accurate and safe usage of the infusion pump system.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination instrument can include a selectively activated light source that emits an inspection light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8834420B2Illumination instrument for an infusion pump
Publication Date: 2014.09.16 INSULET CORP
  • US8834420B2 patent drawing
  • US8834420B2 patent drawing
  • US8834420B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.