Monolithic Plastic Infusion Pump Shell for Quiet Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical drug infusion apparatuses face challenges with complex assembly, high weight, noise generation, and difficulty in maintaining a compact, portable, and silent operation, especially for use in damp environments.
Innovation Solution
A shell for a portable electromechanical apparatus comprising a monolithic plastic casing with a metal support structure, featuring a bayonet-like syringe coupling, a guide member for the slidable rod, and a protective bell, designed for easy assembly, reduced weight, and enhanced hydraulic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable electromechanical apparatus for drug infusion is provided with a rechargeable battery and microprocessor-controlled pump, then the functionality and precision of drug delivery are improved, but the size and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable control unit containing the microprocessor and battery, and a disposable cartridge containing the drug reservoir and infusion mechanism. This segmentation allows the heavy electronic components to be separated from the drug delivery system, reducing the weight carried by the patient while maintaining precision control capabilities in the reusable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable cartridges that contain the drug reservoir and infusion mechanism. These single-use components eliminate the need for sterilization and reduce the weight of reusable components, as the critical drug delivery function is transferred to inexpensive, lightweight, disposable units that are discarded after use.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the apparatus uses a rechargeable battery instead of disposable batteries, then the operational duration and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rechargeable battery is integrated into the reusable control unit along with the microprocessor and other electronic components. This merging of power supply with control functions creates a unified system that can be recharged and reused multiple times, extending operational duration while consolidating complexity into a single manageable module rather than dispersing it across multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If the shell is made transparent or translucent to allow visual inspection of the drug reservoir, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection of the internal components from light-induced degradation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is made transparent or translucent only in the specific region where the drug reservoir is located, allowing visual inspection of drug volume and flow. Other portions of the shell covering sensitive electronic components and mechanical parts remain opaque to provide light protection, creating different optical properties in different locations based on functional requirements.
4Reliability
If the shell is designed to be water-resistant or waterproof to protect electronic components, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and sealing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A separate waterproof seal or gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the shell components and electronic compartments. This dedicated sealing layer provides the necessary moisture protection without requiring the entire shell to be manufactured with high-precision seals, as the waterproofing function is handled by the intermediate sealing component that can be independently manufactured and installed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Shell (11) for a portable electromechanical apparatus for drug infusion, comprising an outer casing (13) and a support structure (15) housed within the casing (13), wherein said casing (13) has a monolithic ring shape and is entirely made of plastics, and wherein said support structure (15) is at least partially made of metal.