Infusion Pump Segmentation for Flexible Baseplate Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ambulatory infusion pumps are limited in terms of size, accuracy, and operational flexibility, necessitating improvements for enhanced patient comfort and convenience.

Innovation Solution

The development of an infusion pump system that includes a housing with a rechargeable battery and a baseplate assembly with an energy supply, allowing for interchangeable baseplate configurations for different modes of operation, medicament concentrations, and user-friendly features such as remote control functionality and automatic detection of baseplate assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional infusion pumps are used, then basic medicament delivery is achieved, but the device size is large and operational flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion pump system is divided into two main segments: a reusable pump body and interchangeable baseplate assemblies. Each baseplate assembly can be configured for different modes of operation (patch or pocket), allowing the system to adapt to various user needs without requiring multiple complete pump units, thus improving operational flexibility while managing device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump body is designed as a universal platform that can work with different baseplate assemblies. The same pump body can be configured for both patch and pocket modes by simply changing the baseplate assembly, enabling one device to perform multiple functions and serve different operational requirements.

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

2Measurement precision

If conventional infusion pumps are used, then medicament delivery is provided, but accuracy and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedicament delivery accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump controller continuously monitors pump motor current and compares it against expected current values for the current infusion rate. When deviations are detected that indicate potential delivery inaccuracies, the system can alert the user or adjust parameters, ensuring accurate medicament delivery through continuous feedback and verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces purely mechanical delivery mechanisms with an electronically controlled pump motor and controller. This allows for precise electronic control of infusion rates, accurate dosing, and programmable delivery profiles, significantly improving medicament delivery accuracy compared to traditional mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If rechargeable battery is integrated in the pump housing, then operational continuity is improved, but energy management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidenergy management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baseplate assembly incorporates a baseplate battery that can autonomously recharge the pump battery when connected. This self-service charging mechanism reduces the need for external charging equipment and simplifies energy management for the user, as the system can recharge itself during baseplate changes or when docked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The baseplate battery is pre-charged before use, and the system is designed to automatically transfer energy to the pump battery when needed. This preliminary energy storage in the baseplate ensures operational continuity without requiring the user to manually manage complex charging schedules or external power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable baseplate assemblies are used, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump body is designed as a universal platform that can work with different baseplate assemblies through standardized interfaces. This universality allows the system to accommodate multiple configurations (patch and pocket modes) without requiring complex adaptation mechanisms, as the same pump body can accept various baseplate types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into modular components (pump body, baseplate assemblies, cartridges) that can be independently configured and replaced. This segmentation allows for operational flexibility through simple component interchange rather than complex reconfiguration, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system provides a compact, accurate, and flexible infusion solution that allows for easy switching between 'patch' and 'pocket' pump configurations, improved medicament delivery profiles, and enhanced user convenience through remote control operation and automatic baseplate detection, ensuring efficient and precise medicament administration.

Implementation Method 1

Energy from the baseplate power supply may be transferred to the rechargeable battery when the baseplate assembly is attached to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12097353B2Infusion pumps
Publication Date: 2024.09.24 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • US12097353B2 patent drawing
  • US12097353B2 patent drawing
  • US12097353B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, and baseplate assemblies, including cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, inserters, and related components and batteries therefor, as well as component combinations and related methods.