Wearable Infusion Pump Assembly With Volume Sensing and Disposable Fluid Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable infusion pump devices are prone to malfunctions, are bulky, costly, and require frequent re-location, posing challenges for patients needing regular drug administration.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump assembly with a reusable and disposable housing system, incorporating a volume sensor, pump assembly, and valve assemblies, utilizing shape-memory actuators for controlled fluid delivery, and a detachable external infusion set for convenient use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If wearable infusion pump devices are made compact and wearable, then portability and user convenience are improved, but device complexity and malfunction rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system is divided into separate reusable and disposable components. The reusable portion contains the pump mechanism and control electronics, while the disposable portion contains the reservoir and fluid pathway. This segmentation allows the complex reusable portion to be tested and maintained separately from the disposable portion, improving reliability while maintaining compact wearable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable reservoir and fluid pathway assembly that is discarded after a single use or after a predetermined period. This eliminates the need to clean and sterilize these components, reducing malfunction risks associated with improper maintenance while keeping the overall device compact and wearable.
2Volume of moving object
If wearable infusion pump devices are made compact, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular reusable and disposable portions that can be manufactured separately using optimized processes. The reusable portion houses compact pump mechanisms and electronics, while the disposable portion contains pre-filled reservoirs and integrated fluid pathways, reducing overall device volume while managing complexity through separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir and fluid pathway components are designed to nest within or attach to the reusable pump housing. The reservoir can be inserted into the reusable portion, and the fluid pathway integrates within the compact structure, minimizing external volume while containing all necessary components for reliable operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If wearable infusion pump devices are made cost-effective, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump is manufactured in separate reusable and disposable portions using different manufacturing processes optimized for each component. The disposable portion can be manufactured with high precision using injection molding and automated assembly, while the reusable portion uses different processes, allowing each to be optimized independently for cost and precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir and fluid pathway are designed as single-use components that can be manufactured more economically with tighter tolerances, since they do not need to withstand repeated sterilization cycles or long-term wear. This allows cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the necessary precision for reliable fluid delivery during the limited service life.
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, compact, and cost-effective drug delivery with improved sanitation and user convenience by separating reusable and disposable components, ensuring accurate dosing and reducing device malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing shape-memory actuators for controlled fluid delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set.