Magnetic Reservoir Detection in Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin pump technologies rely on mechanical switches that are prone to fluid ingress and failure when used in wet conditions, and lack effective non-mechanical methods to detect the presence of the insulin reservoir, risking accidental insulin injections.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensing system that uses a magnetic field source and sensor to detect the presence or absence of a medicament container within the pump housing, preventing accidental insulin delivery by ensuring the reservoir is properly engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to detect insulin reservoir presence, then the detection function is achieved, but the pump housing becomes prone to fluid ingress and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is embedded in the insulin reservoir, and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or reed switch) mounted on the pump housing detects the magnet's presence or position. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact points that would require sealing, thereby preventing fluid ingress while maintaining reliable detection functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump housing is hermetically sealed to prevent fluid ingress, then protection against wet conditions is improved, but mechanical switching becomes impossible without breaking the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to break the hermetic seal by substituting mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic field can penetrate the sealed housing walls, allowing the sensor to detect the insulin reservoir's presence or position without any physical breach in the seal, thus maintaining both protection and functionality.
3Reliability
If magnetic sensing is used to detect insulin reservoir presence, then non-mechanical detection is achieved, but additional magnetic components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnet into the existing insulin reservoir structure, allowing it to serve both its original function (containing insulin) and the new function (providing a magnetic signature for detection). The magnetic sensor on the pump housing can detect the magnet's presence, position, or movement, enabling multiple detection capabilities (reservoir presence, empty state, proper installation) with a single added component.
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 sensing system provides a reliable, non-mechanical means to detect the insulin reservoir's presence, preventing accidental insulin injections and maintaining the pump's hermetic seal, even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a sensor calibrated to detect the presence or absence of a magnetic field created by the magnetic field source
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for detecting the presence of a medicament reservoir within the housing of an infusion pump. A medicament reservoir, affixed to a reservoir cap is removably inserted within the housing of an infusion pump. A magnet is affixed to or embedded in one or both of the reservoir or the reservoir cap. Alternately, the cap or the reservoir can be made of magnetic material. A sensing device embedded or otherwise affixed to the pump housing senses the presence or absence of the magnetic field created by the magnet. The presence of the magnetic field indicates that the reservoir is inserted properly within the housing and the absence of the magnetic field indicates that the reservoir has been at least partially withdrawn from the pump's housing.