Magnetic Safety Coupling for Infusion Stopper Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid infusion devices lack a reliable safety mechanism to prevent unintended movement of the stopper within the fluid reservoir, which can lead to improper fluid delivery, especially under conditions of low fluid pressure or minimal friction.
Innovation Solution
A safety coupling system comprising a first coupling device integrated with the drive system and a second coupling device on the fluid reservoir's stopper, utilizing magnetic attraction between a permanent magnet and ferromagnetic materials to resist the stopper's movement, ensuring secure fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical coupling is used to connect the stopper to the drive system, then the structure is simple, but the stopper may move unintentionally under low fluid pressure or minimal friction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling (screws, clips, or friction-based connections) with a magnetic coupling system. The drive system includes a magnet that magnetically couples to a ferromagnetic component on the stopper, providing a non-contact connection that maintains reliable stopper positioning even when fluid pressure is low or friction is minimal. This magnetic connection eliminates the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms while ensuring the stopper remains securely attached during operation.
2Ease of operation
If the stopper is freely movable to allow easy fluid dispensing, then the ease of operation is improved, but unintended stopper movement occurs leading to improper fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system provides dynamic control over stopper movement. The magnetic force is sufficient to hold the stopper in place during normal operation, preventing unintended movement and ensuring accurate fluid delivery. When fluid pressure increases during dispensing, the dynamic balance between magnetic holding force and fluid pressure allows the stopper to move controllably, enabling easy fluid dispensing. This dynamic equilibrium ensures both reliability during holding and ease of operation during dispensing.
3Reliability
If magnetic coupling components are added to prevent stopper movement, then the reliability of fluid delivery is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system is segmented into two independent components: a magnet integrated into the drive system and a ferromagnetic component attached to the stopper. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before final assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process. The magnet can be pre-installed in the drive system housing, while the ferromagnetic component can be separately attached to the stopper, reducing assembly complexity compared to integrated mechanical coupling systems.
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 magnetic safety coupling effectively prevents unintentional stopper movement, maintaining accurate fluid delivery and reducing the risk of fluid dispersion, even at low pressures or minimal friction conditions, thereby ensuring reliable infusion.
Implementation Method 1
One of the first coupling device and the second coupling device include a permanent magnet and the other of the first coupling device and the second coupling device include a magnetically attractive material.
Implementation Method 2
the other of the first coupling device and the second coupling device include a magnetically attractive material
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid infusion device is provided. The device comprises a drive system that includes a movable slide. The slide includes a first coupling device. The device also comprises a fluid reservoir that includes a stopper movable relative to the fluid reservoir by the slide to advance a fluid out of the fluid reservoir. The stopper includes a second coupling device that cooperates with the first coupling device to resist the movement of the stopper relative to the slide.