Integrated Infusion Set With Analyte Sensor and Shared Tube Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin pump systems require separate infusion sets and glucose sensors, leading to increased complexity and inconvenience for diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a physiological analyte sensor with a medication fluid infusion set, where the infusion tube serves as a conduit for both medication delivery and sensor data transmission, using embedded sensor conductors to facilitate seamless communication between the sensor and the infusion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate infusion sets and glucose sensors are used, then reliable medication delivery and analyte monitoring are achieved, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infusion set and glucose sensor into a single integrated assembly. The sensor is positioned within the infusion set housing, sharing common components such as the cannula insertion mechanism and housing structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor and infusion set applications, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable medication delivery and analyte monitoring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: it delivers medication through the infusion set while simultaneously monitoring analyte levels through the integrated sensor. The shared housing and insertion mechanism provide universal functionality for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing user burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate infusion sets and glucose sensors are used, then distinct functionality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and infusion set are merged into a single application process. The user applies one integrated assembly rather than two separate devices, significantly improving ease of operation. The shared housing and insertion mechanism allow both the infusion catheter and sensor to be inserted simultaneously in a single action, reducing user burden while maintaining distinct therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities.
3Device complexity
If integrated sensor and infusion set are used, then system complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the sensor at a specific location within the infusion set housing, optimized for its function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The sensor is positioned to work effectively with the infusion catheter, with its sensing element located near the catheter tip but within the housing structure. This localized integration reduces manufacturing complexity compared to fully integrated designs while maintaining adequate positioning precision for sensor function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a medical device component for delivering medication fluid to a patient. The medical device component includes a fluid infusion device to regulate delivery of medication fluid, a body-mountable base unit, and a top cover assembly that is removably couplable to the base unit and to the fluid infusion device. The base unit includes a cannula to deliver medication fluid under the control of the fluid infusion device, and a physiological analyte sensor to measure a physiological characteristic. The base unit also includes an electronics assembly electrically connected to sensor leads to obtain measurements in the analog domain, to convert measurements into digital sensor data, and to communicate conditioned digital sensor data to the fluid infusion device. The top cover assembly is configured to provide both fluid and electrical connections for the base unit, by way of an infusion tube having sensor conductors integrated therein or otherwise associated therewith.