Infusion Pump Drive System Using String and Ratchet Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump devices face challenges in terms of size, portability, and convenience due to large dimensions and high-cost components, which affect their usability and affordability, especially when lost or damaged.
Innovation Solution
A compact infusion pump system with a drive system that includes a rotational motor, string member, and ratchet mechanism, allowing for incremental and controlled dispensation of fluids, along with a removable controller for user interface and settings monitoring, facilitating a portable and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the infusion pump device is designed with large dimensions to house pump components, then the device can accommodate necessary components, but the portability for the user is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump components are arranged in a nested configuration where the piston rod moves within the fluid cartridge, and the drive system components (ratchet mechanism, string member, motor) are integrated within the housing in a compact, space-efficient manner. This allows the device to accommodate all necessary components while maintaining a small overall volume for portability.
2Reliability
If the device is designed as a reusable dispenser with high-cost components, then the device can provide durable and reliable operation, but it becomes expensive and inconvenient for the user to replace when lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump device is divided into a reusable controller portion and a disposable pump portion. The disposable pump portion contains the fluid cartridge, piston rod, and drive mechanism, which can be manufactured at low cost and replaced when lost or damaged. The reusable controller contains the expensive electronic components and user interface. This segmentation allows the device to provide reliable operation through the reusable controller while reducing replacement costs through the disposable pump portion.
3Volume of moving object
If the device uses a compact design with integrated components, then the portability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (controller and pump portion) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modularity simplifies the design of each individual component while achieving compactness through their integration, and reduces overall system complexity by allowing independent optimization of each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism automatically maintains tension on the string member connecting the motor to the piston rod, eliminating the need for complex tensioning systems or additional actuators. This self-regulating feature reduces device complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 reliable, accurate, and portable fluid dispensation with reduced high-cost components, enabling disposable and wearable infusion pump devices that are easy to use and maintain, while allowing users to monitor settings without additional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The pawl may engage one or more teeth of the ratchet body to incrementally advance the ratchet body.
Implementation Method 2
The drive system may include a string member coupled to the pawl and a spindle coupled to the flexible member. The drive system may further include a rotational motor coupled to the spindle so that rotation by the motor causes the flexible member to wind or unwind around spindle to thereby adjust the pawl relative to the ratchet body.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of an infusion pump device may include a drive system that accurately and incrementally dispenses fluid from the pump device in a controlled manner. Particular embodiments of the drive system may include a rotational motor that is coupled to a string member, which is used to adjust a pawl relative to a ratchet body. In such circumstances, the drive system can provide a reliable and compact infusion pump device that accurately dispenses the desired volume of fluid.