Disposable Insulin Pump with Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable insulin dispensing devices face challenges in simplicity of operation, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance, particularly for patients with mild Type II diabetes, which affects treatment success.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, wearable insulin dispensing device with a self-contained design featuring a pump, adhesive layer for skin attachment, shape memory alloy actuator, and integrated audio capabilities for user guidance and programmable dosing, along with a communication system for data exchange with healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable insulin dispensing device is designed with integrated components (pump, catheter, adhesive layer), then ease of operation and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into disposable and non-disposable segments. The disposable portion includes the housing, insulin source, pump means, catheter, and adhesive layer, while the reusable portion includes the control unit and programming controller. This segmentation allows the complex integrated components to be manufactured once and reused, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability during the disposable phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable components (housing, pump, catheter, adhesive layer) that are discarded after use, replacing expensive reusable components. This approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex sterilization and maintenance procedures, improving reliability through fresh components each time while reducing long-term device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a shape memory alloy actuator is used in the pump means, then energy consumption is reduced and reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy actuator utilizes phase transformation of the material between martensitic and austenitic states in response to temperature changes. This parameter change enables the actuator to perform mechanical work without continuous energy input, significantly reducing energy consumption while the specialized material increases manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a catheter protection means is added to enclose the catheter end portion, then the catheter is protected against damage and contamination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter protection means is pre-assembled onto the catheter before the catheter is inserted into the housing. This preliminary action protects the catheter end portion from damage and contamination during handling and storage, while the protection means is integrated into the disposable housing assembly, minimizing additional complexity.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive layer and release sheet are provided for skin attachment, then ease of application is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is pre-attached to the housing and the release sheet is pre-applied over the adhesive layer during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures proper adhesion to the skin surface while the release sheet protects the adhesive during handling. The pre-assembled adhesive unit is integrated into the disposable housing, minimizing additional complexity.
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 device provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective means of insulin delivery with enhanced user compliance through easy application, protected catheters, and customizable dosing based on user data, improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for said pump means, said actuator comprising a shape memory alloy wire
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable, wearable, self-contained insulin dispensing device includes a housing and an insulin source in the housing that is connected to a catheter for injecting insulin into a user. The catheter projects generally perpendicularly to a generally planar surface of the housing configured for abutting a skin surface of the user; which planar surface includes an adhesive layer for adhering the housing surface to the skin surface. A removable release sheet covers the adhesive layer for protecting the adhesive layer prior to use of the device. The release sheet is provided with a catheter protection element to enclose and protect an end portion of the catheter, such that removal of the release sheet for exposing the adhesive layer also exposes the end portion. A pump in the housing includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy wire.