Magnetic Housing Coupling for Infusion Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion devices for delivering medications, such as insulin, often require manual needle insertion, which can be traumatic for patients, and lack a convenient mechanism for disposable components, leading to potential contamination and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device comprising a disposable and durable housing portion that securely connects via magnetic interaction, allowing for easy alignment and separation, with the disposable portion containing components that come into contact with the patient and can be replaced after use, while the durable portion houses electronics and drive mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual needle insertion is used, then the device structure is simple, but patient trauma increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The needle inserter device is designed to automatically insert the needle into the patient's body without requiring manual insertion by the user. The device activates a needle drive mechanism that propels the needle through the skin automatically, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for traumatic manual needle insertion while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Reliability
If disposable components are not used, then device complexity is reduced, but hygiene and contamination control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion device is divided into disposable and reusable portions. The disposable portion includes components that contact the patient (needle, reservoir, tubing) and can be discarded after single use, while the reusable portion contains the pump mechanism and electronics. This segmentation ensures hygiene and contamination control without requiring the entire device to be complex and disposable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable components (needle, reservoir, tubing set) that are inexpensive and intended for single use only. These disposable elements are replaced with a new set for each infusion session, ensuring hygiene and preventing contamination while keeping the overall device structure manageable through the reusable pump unit.
3Loss of time
If rapid needle insertion is used, then insertion time is reduced, but patient trauma may increase compared to controlled slow insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The needle drive mechanism is designed to provide dynamic control over the insertion process. It can be activated to deliver a rapid, controlled thrust for quick insertion when needed, or the user can manually guide the needle for slower, more controlled insertion. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different patient needs and comfort levels, reducing trauma while minimizing insertion time.
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 user-friendly, hygienic, and convenient mechanism for delivering infusion media, reducing patient trauma during insertion and enabling easy disposal of used components, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A first magnet is supported on the disposable housing portion and a second magnet is supported on the durable housing portion in a position to magnetically interact with the first magnet, upon the disposable housing portion and durable housing portion being operatively engaged
Data Source
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AI summary
A delivery device includes first and second housing portions that selectively engage and disengage. A reservoir on one housing portion operatively engages a drive device and/or a needle inserting device on the other housing portion. Upon proper engagement of the housing portions, the reservoir operatively couples to the drive device and/or the needle inserting device. A first magnet on the first housing portion and a second magnet (or a magnetically-attractive material) on the second housing portion are positioned to magnetically interact with each other, upon operative engagement of the housing portions. A third magnet on the second housing portion may be opposed to the first magnet to help align the housing portions for connection. A magnet-responsive device may be on one or both housing portions to detect alignment and/or connection of the housing portions.