Infusion Pump Fluid Connector Luer Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable and wearable infusion pump devices for controlled release of therapeutics are prone to malfunctions, are bulky, costly, and require frequent re-location, posing challenges in maintaining consistent drug delivery schedules for patients.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump system comprising a reusable housing assembly, a disposable housing assembly with a reservoir, and a fluid connector that includes a luer connection mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and fluid delivery, along with a pump actuator assembly for controlled fluid administration, and incorporating a volume sensor and RFID tag for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If portable and wearable infusion pump devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then drug delivery capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system is divided into two main segments: a reusable pump assembly and a disposable reservoir assembly. The disposable assembly includes the reservoir, connector, and tubing, while the reusable assembly contains the pump actuator and control electronics. This segmentation allows the heavy pump components to be used repeatedly while only the lighter disposable components need frequent replacement, reducing overall system weight for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable reservoir assembly that includes the reservoir, connector with luer lock mechanism, and tubing. This disposable component is designed to be lightweight and is replaced when depleted or contaminated, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization of the pump itself. The disposable nature of this assembly reduces the weight burden on users during wearable operation.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for portability, then wearability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the system into reusable and disposable assemblies, the patent reduces the size of each individual component. The disposable assembly can be optimized for compactness without compromising the pump's functionality, as the pump actuator in the reusable assembly handles the complex pumping mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the disposable reservoir and the reusable pump. It includes a luer lock mechanism that provides a secure, standardized interface, simplifying the connection process while maintaining compact dimensions. The connector's design with integrated features (catch features, latching mechanisms) reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the luer lock mechanism for secure attachment, the catch features for engagement with the disposable assembly, and the fluid path integration. This consolidation provides reliable connections without requiring separate complex mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir assembly includes an integrated connector with luer lock and catch features that are designed for single use. This disposable connector provides reliable attachment to the reusable pump while eliminating the need for complex sterilization and maintenance mechanisms, achieving connection reliability through simple, replaceable design.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An infusion pump system. The system includes a reusable housing assembly, a disposable housing assembly, a tab portion comprising a female latching feature, and an exit, the exit connected to a reservoir; and a fluid connector including a body portion including a slot, a plug portion slidably connected to the body portion, the plug portion including a fluid path and a disc, the disc configured to seat within the slot, a catch feature located on a first end of the body portion and configured to interact with the disposable housing assembly, a male latching feature located on a second end of the body portion, the male latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the female latching feature, wherein force applied to the plug portion may overcome a threshold force and unseat the disc from the slot wherein the plug portion moves with respect to the body portion.