Miniature Insulin Patch Pump Segmented Reservoir Air Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulin pumps are bulky and cumbersome, making them inconvenient for daily use, and lack advanced features like closed-loop systems and air bubble removal methods.
Innovation Solution
A miniature portable insulin patch pump with a reusable and disposable part configuration, integrated with a continuous glucose monitor and blood glucose monitor, using RF communication for control and featuring an artificial pancreas algorithm for automated insulin delivery, along with a method for continuous and on-demand insulin delivery and air bubble removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional insulin pumps use traditional syringe and driving mechanism configurations, then they can deliver insulin reliably, but they become large and bulky requiring patients to carry them in pockets or attach to belts
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into modular components: a reusable pump body and replaceable insulin cartridges. This segmentation allows the pump body to be minimized in size while maintaining reliable delivery mechanisms, and the insulin supply can be replenished by swapping cartridges rather than requiring a large integrated reservoir
Solution Approach 2:
The insulin cartridge is nested within the pump body, with the cartridge containing the insulin reservoir and plunger mechanism compactly integrated into the pump housing. This nesting allows the overall device volume to be reduced while maintaining both the driving mechanism and insulin supply
2Ease of operation
If insulin pumps are made portable and wearable, then patient convenience improves, but the devices lack advanced features like closed-loop systems and air bubble removal methods
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system integrates multiple functions into a compact portable device: insulin delivery, air bubble detection and removal, and compatibility with both closed-loop and open-loop control systems. The pump body serves as a universal platform that can work with different insulin cartridges and control modes, maintaining simplicity while providing advanced capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the simple portable pump hardware and complex control algorithms, enabling closed-loop functionality through software rather than requiring complex hardware. The processor handles air bubble detection, insulin delivery control, and communication with external devices, keeping the physical pump compact while providing advanced features
3Duration of action of moving object
If the pump uses a single integrated reservoir, then the structure is simple, but air bubbles cannot be effectively removed and usage duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid handling system is segmented into a first reservoir for insulin storage and a second reservoir for air bubble collection and removal. This segmentation allows continuous operation by separating the insulin supply function from the air management function, enabling longer usage duration without proportionally increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air bubble collection reservoir converts the harmful effect of air bubbles (which would block insulin flow) into a beneficial feature by providing a dedicated space for air accumulation and removal. This allows the pump to tolerate air in the system without compromising operation, and enables continuous insulin delivery by periodically purging accumulated air
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 a compact, accurate, and convenient insulin delivery solution with extended usage duration, integrating with both closed and open-loop diabetes management systems, and includes innovative air bubble removal, enhancing user experience and management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
displacement of the second reservoir in a first direction is designed to cause flow of fluid from the first reservoir to the second reservoir via the first conduit, and displacement of the second reservoir in a direction opposite to the first direction is designed to cause flow of fluid from the second reservoir to the exit port via the second conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the current disclosure are directed toward systems, devices and methods for diabetes management. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for dispensing insulin to a patient. A portable fluid infusion device, comprising a disposable part (DP) and a reusable part (RP) is disclosed. The DP comprises a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the second reservoir less than or equal to the first reservoir in length, while the RP comprises a first compartment configured to receive the first reservoir, a second compartment configured to receive the second reservoir and a gasket for sealing a junction between the second reservoir and the second compartment upon connection of the RP and the DP.