Infusion Pump Piston Valve Integration for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambulatory infusion pumps are bulky, complex, and costly, making them inconvenient for users and less effective for precise delivery of small liquid volumes, such as insulin, due to the design being dictated by technology rather than user needs.
Innovation Solution
An infusion pump design where the piston acts as both an inlet and outlet valve, allowing for axial spacing of the inlet and outlet along the longitudinal axis, enabling the piston to close the inlet during delivery and open it during re-filling, reducing the number of components and complexity, and allowing for a smaller chamber size with increased flexibility and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional piston pump design with separate inlet and outlet valves is used, then the pump can reliably deliver precise liquid volumes, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piston and inlet valve into a single integrated component. The piston head itself forms the inlet valve by overlapping with the inlet opening during the delivery phase, eliminating the need for a separate inlet valve mechanism while maintaining reliable one-way flow control
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves multiple functions: it acts as both the plunger for pressurizing liquid and as the inlet valve by its positional overlap with the inlet. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the pump system
2Measurement precision
If the pump is designed to deliver small precise amounts of liquid (e.g., insulin), then the delivery precision is improved, but the device becomes more complex and less convenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inlet valve function into the piston structure itself, the patent eliminates additional components that would increase device size and complexity, making the pump more suitable for ambulatory use while maintaining precision delivery capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the axial dimension along the piston's movement path to achieve valve function through positional overlap, rather than requiring a separate radial or lateral valve mechanism. This dimensional approach compactly integrates valve functionality into the existing piston structure
3Reliability
If separate inlet and outlet valves are used, then the pump operation is reliable, but the number of components increases and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet valve function is merged with the piston structure, where the piston head's axial position relative to the inlet opening creates the valve action. This integration maintains reliable one-way flow control while reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The piston automatically performs the inlet valve function through its own movement and positioning, without requiring a separate actuating mechanism. The piston's reciprocating motion inherently creates the opening and closing action needed for reliable operation
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 solution results in a more compact, reliable, and cost-effective infusion pump capable of precise delivery of small volumes, with a reduced footprint and increased design flexibility to accommodate user needs, allowing for user-friendly and efficient administration of medications or nutrients.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (116) arranged for reciprocating movement within the chamber (104) and along a longitudinal axis (5) between the proximal end (4) and the distal end (3)
Implementation Method 2
at least one outlet (7) from the chamber (104), e.g. having an outlet valve (8)
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion pump is disclosed. The infusion pump comprises a chamber having a distal end and a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A piston is arranged for reciprocating movement within the chamber and along the longitudinal axis. At least one outlet is arranged from the chamber and may comprise an outlet valve. At least one inlet is provided into the chamber. The outlet and the inlet are axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the chamber. A method for operating the pump is also provided.