Infusion Set With Self-Sealing Septum and Soft Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion sets with removable needles and soft plastic cannulas are bulky, prone to contamination, uncomfortable for patients, and difficult to use, particularly for continuous medication delivery like insulin.
Innovation Solution
An infusion set design comprising a base member with a soft cannula, an introducer cap for needle insertion, and an infusion cap for fluid communication, featuring a rotatable and self-sealing septum to minimize discomfort and contamination risks, with options for soft or rigid cannulas and easy assembly/disassembly for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a removable needle with soft plastic cannula is used, then the device can be placed inside the body for extended periods, but the device becomes bulky and more susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the needle from the cannula, allowing the needle to be removed after insertion while leaving the soft cannula in place. This separation enables the cannula to remain as a compact, implantable component without the bulk of a connected needle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion set is divided into distinct segments: a needle portion for initial insertion, a soft cannula portion for long-term implantation, and a hub portion for fluid connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a removable needle with soft plastic cannula is used, then the device can be placed inside the body for extended periods, but the device becomes more uncomfortable to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the device: a sharp rigid needle for skin penetration, followed by a soft flexible cannula for comfortable long-term implantation. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both insertion effectiveness and long-term comfort.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a removable needle with soft plastic cannula is used, then the device can be placed inside the body for extended periods, but the device is more difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The needle and cannula are pre-assembled as a single unit with the needle positioned to guide the cannula during insertion. This preliminary configuration simplifies the insertion process, requiring only a single motion to deploy both components correctly.
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 infusion set is more comfortable, less susceptible to contamination, easier to use, and provides a secure, efficient means of delivering medication over extended periods with reduced discomfort and risk of infection.
Implementation Method 1
a soft, resilient septum configured to be punctured by a needle to provide access to a cannula
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer secured to the base member
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).