Lead Screw Pump Layout for Compact Wearable Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable drug delivery devices become bulky due to the need for a drive mechanism that is twice the length of the reservoir, making them uncomfortable for users.
Innovation Solution
A compact positive displacement pump using a lead screw and drive nut mechanism that allows the piston head to move incrementally within the reservoir, minimizing the overall device size while maintaining effective drug expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional plunger drive mechanism is used to expel liquid drug from the reservoir, then the pump can effectively deliver the liquid drug, but the device length becomes significantly larger (about twice the length of the reservoir)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear plunger mechanism to a rotational lead screw mechanism. The lead screw converts rotational motion into axial motion, allowing the piston to move back and forth within the reservoir through rotation rather than linear extension, thereby reducing the overall device length while maintaining pumping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical plunger system with a lead screw and drive nut mechanism. This substitution allows for more compact packaging of the drive mechanism, as the rotational components can be arranged concentrically or in close proximity, eliminating the need for a long linear plunger travel path
2Productivity
If the drive mechanism length is increased to accommodate filled reservoirs and pre-filled cartridges, then the pump can properly expel the liquid drug, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable for users to wear
Solution Approach 1:
By converting the drive mechanism from linear to rotational motion through the lead screw, the patent enables compact arrangement of components. The rotational mechanism allows the drive components to be packaged within a smaller volume, reducing the overall device size and improving wearability while maintaining effective drug delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw and drive nut mechanism allows for nested or closely integrated component arrangement. The drive components can be positioned within or adjacent to the reservoir housing, eliminating the need for separate external mounting and reducing the overall device footprint, thereby improving user comfort
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 solution provides a compact and efficient drug delivery system that reduces device size without compromising the ability to expel liquid drug, enhancing user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw coupled to a drive nut, wherein the drive nut comprises a blade adjacent the piston head, wherein the lead screw has external threading engaged with corresponding internal threading of the drive nut, wherein rotation of the lead screw causes the blade to move axially along the lead screw
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques, processes, devices or systems for pump devices. In one approach, a wearable drug delivery device may include a reservoir configured to store a liquid drug, the reservoir including a housing including an outer wall defining an interior chamber, a sealing member, and a slit through the housing, wherein the sealing member is configured to seal the slit. The wearable drug delivery device may further include a delivery pump device including a drive mechanism coupled to the reservoir for driving the liquid drug out of the reservoir, the drive mechanism including a piston head disposed within the interior chamber of the housing, and a lead screw coupled to a drive nut, wherein the drive nut comprises a blade adjacent the piston head, and wherein the blade is positionable through the slit of the housing.