Infusion Pump Segmentation for Flexible Baseplate Configurations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Measurement precision
If conventional infusion pumps are used, then medicament delivery is provided, but accuracy and precision are insufficient
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable baseplate assemblies are used, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
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.
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.
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
Data Source
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.


