Insulin Infusion Set Segmented Housing and Base Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion sets for insulin delivery often restrict user mobility and fail to prevent external exposure of the infusion cannula, making it difficult to disconnect and reconnect the fluid connector quickly and safely.
Innovation Solution
The infusion set incorporates a self-closing mechanism using a keyhole slot latching device and plastic leaf springs, allowing the housing to latch and unlatch from the base, ensuring the cannula remains sealed when not in use, and a blunt cannula to self-close the septum, preventing external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the infusion set uses a fixed base attached to the skin with a fluid connector, then the infusion cannula is protected from external exposure, but user mobility is restricted and quick disconnection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion set is divided into separable components: a base that remains attached to the skin with the inserted cannula, and a removable housing containing the fluid connector. This segmentation allows the user to detach the housing for mobility while the base remains secured to the skin, protecting the cannula insertion site.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The housing can be latched to the base when fluid connection is needed, and unlatched when mobility is required. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between protection and mobility.
2Productivity
If the fluid connector is permanently attached to the base, then the cannula remains protected, but quick disconnection and reconnection is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is pre-configured with latching arms and engagement features that enable quick one-handed operation. The user can rapidly latch or unlatch the housing to the base without complex manipulation, achieving fast connection/disconnection while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is always attached to the base, then the fluid connector remains connected, but the user cannot shower, bathe or swim
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the housing (with fluid connector) from the base (with cannula insertion site), the user can detach the housing before water activities to prevent moisture damage to the connector, then reattach it afterward to restore fluid connection. This enables adaptability for showering, bathing, or swimming while maintaining ease of reconnection through the latching mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the infusion set allows easy disconnection for mobility, then user freedom increases, but the risk of external contamination to the cannula increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of housing and base creates a protected zone. The base with the cannula insertion site remains attached to the skin under adhesive coverage, creating a barrier against external contamination. The removable housing contains the fluid connector interface, allowing disconnection for mobility while the protected base remains in place, minimizing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary between the skin/cannula insertion site and the external environment. It maintains the sealed connection point while allowing the housing to be removed for mobility activities, thus mediating between user freedom and contamination protection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6A
AI summary
An insulin infusion set (30) for use with an inserter (40) is disclosed. The infusion set (30) includes an extension set (50). The extension set (50) includes a housing (70), a base (90) and a latching device (82). The base (90) houses a base septum (120) and an infusion cannula (42). The latching device (82) releasably attaches the housing (70) to the base. When the housing (70) is attached to the base (90), a part of the housing (70) extends into and opens the base septum (120).