Infusion Pump Reservoir Cap with Sensor Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems lack improved connection methods that facilitate infusion procedures, provide ease of use, and offer additional features for manufacturing advantages.
Innovation Solution
The development of connection interfaces for syringes and reservoirs that include a cap configured to form a reservoir/cap unit, with releasable couplers for secure attachment to both the reservoir and the infusion pump device. This design incorporates detectable features for sensor detection, enhancing security and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection interface with releasable couplers is used to secure the reservoir to the infusion pump, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is divided into separate functional components: a first releasable coupler for attaching the reservoir to the cap, and a second releasable coupler for attaching the cap to the infusion pump. This segmentation allows each coupler to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is nested between the reservoir and the infusion pump, with the first coupler connecting the reservoir to the cap and the second coupler connecting the cap to the pump. This nested arrangement creates a secure multi-stage connection that enhances reliability without requiring a single complex coupling mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If detectable features are added to the reservoir or cap for sensor detection, then the ease of operation is improved through proper attachment verification, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable features automatically provide attachment verification when the reservoir is properly connected to the infusion pump. The sensor detects the presence or position of these features, enabling the system to self-verify correct installation without requiring additional manual checking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical verification methods are replaced with sensor-based detection of magnetic, optical, or radio frequency features. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocks or alignment mechanisms, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a cap is used to form a reservoir/cap unit with releasable couplers, then the ease of operation is improved through simplified attachment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap serves multiple functions: it forms a sealed connection with the reservoir, provides a mounting structure for the releasable couplers, and can incorporate detectable features for sensor verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap merges the reservoir sealing function with the pump attachment function into a single integrated component. By combining these functions in the cap, the system reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, improving ease of operation despite the added complexity of the coupler mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.