Wearable Infusion Pump Assembly With Feedback Volume Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable and wearable infusion pump devices for delivering therapeutic fluids face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost issues, and often require frequent re-location on the skin for application, while also struggling to maintain consistent drug delivery schedules.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump system that includes a controller for calculating and adjusting a delivery trajectory and schedule based on volume sensors, using a pump driven by a shape memory alloy, with a disposable and reusable housing assembly for efficient fluid delivery and occlusion detection, and a volume sensor assembly that employs acoustic energy to measure fluid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a wearable infusion pump device is designed to be portable and compact, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to space constraints on critical components
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system is divided into modular components including a reusable pump unit and disposable cartridges, allowing each module to be optimized independently for reliability while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge is nested within the reusable pump housing, with the cartridge containing the reservoir and drive mechanism that fits inside the external pump body, maximizing space utilization while maintaining component reliability
2Device complexity
If the infusion pump uses traditional mechanical drive mechanisms, then the device structure is simpler, but the device weight increases and precision of fluid delivery decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical drive system is replaced with a shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuator that uses thermal-mechanical coupling to drive the pump mechanism, reducing moving mass while maintaining delivery precision through programmable thermal control
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system changes operational parameters dynamically by controlling the thermal state of the shape memory alloy actuator, allowing precise adjustment of pump speed and fluid delivery rate without mechanical complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the infusion pump delivers fluid at a fixed schedule, then the delivery consistency is maintained, but the adaptability to patient needs and volume corrections decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system incorporates sensors that monitor fluid delivery volume and provide feedback to the control system, enabling automatic adjustment of the delivery schedule to correct for variations in actual versus target volume while maintaining overall consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion pump transitions from a static fixed-schedule delivery system to a dynamic system that can adjust delivery parameters in real-time based on monitored performance and patient needs, while maintaining a baseline consistent schedule
4Ease of manufacture
If the infusion pump uses disposable components, then the manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but the loss of substance increases due to single-use limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable cartridge is pre-filled with the complete required volume of therapeutic fluid during manufacturing, eliminating the need for patient or clinician filling operations and preventing fluid waste through precise pre-dosing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable cartridges that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace, allowing single-use or limited-use configurations that prevent cross-contamination and simplify sterilization while minimizing fluid waste through controlled dispensing
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 ensures precise and consistent delivery of therapeutic fluids, reduces malfunction rates, and improves user convenience by minimizing the need for frequent re-location, while maintaining efficient operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a pump driven by a shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
a volume sensor assembly that employs acoustic energy to measure fluid levels
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivery of a volume of infusible fluid. The system includes a controller configured to calculate a trajectory for delivering infusible fluid, the trajectory comprising at least one volume of fluid, and determine a schedule for delivering the at least one volume of fluid according to the trajectory, wherein the schedule comprising an interval and a volume of infusible fluid for delivery. The system also includes a volume sensor assembly for determining the at least one volume of fluid delivered, wherein the controller recalculates the trajectory based on the volume of fluid delivered.