Micro Piston Pump Valve Assembly for Compact Low-Dose Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drug delivery devices are bulky due to the length of the plunger and reservoir, and existing low-cost pumping systems fail to provide accurate low doses of medication with a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A micro piston pump system with a two-position, four-way ported valve assembly that includes a pump base, fluid path assembly, and actuator linkage, utilizing bi-stable springs and radial seals to enable precise and compact drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a plunger drive mechanism is used to expel liquid drug from a rigid reservoir, then the liquid drug can be delivered to the user, but the total length of the drive mechanism and reservoir becomes about twice the length of the reservoir, making the device bulky and uncomfortable for the user to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is segmented into multiple piston chambers (first and second piston chambers) that can operate independently or simultaneously. This allows the pump to achieve the required dosing capability with a more compact overall structure, as the pistons can be positioned closer together and the drive mechanism can be shortened while maintaining effective drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube component is positioned through the pump block with side ports communicating with the piston chambers, creating a nested arrangement where the tubing is integrated within the pump structure. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external connections and reduces the overall device footprint, allowing the pump to be more compact without compromising fluid delivery capability.
2Length of stationary object
If low-cost alternative pumping systems are used to reduce size, then the device becomes more compact, but the systems fail to provide small doses of a drug to a user with a high degree of accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The pump utilizes dynamic piston movement within controlled chambers, where the pistons can be actuated in a controlled manner to deliver precise doses. The dynamic nature of the piston chambers allows for accurate metering of small volumes of drug, as the piston displacement can be precisely controlled and measured, providing both compact size and high dose accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces simpler mechanical pumping mechanisms with a more sophisticated piston chamber system that incorporates radial seals and precise mechanical linkages. This substitution enables better control over the pumping action, allowing for accurate delivery of small doses while maintaining a compact form factor.
3Length of stationary object
If a micro diaphragm pump is used to reduce size, then the device becomes more compact, but the pump systems are expensive to manufacture and require expensive check valves to ensure safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump design incorporates disposable or easily replaceable components such as the tube component and radial seals, which can be manufactured at low cost. These components are designed to be inexpensive but reliable, eliminating the need for expensive check valves while maintaining safe operation. The overall system can be manufactured at low cost while achieving the desired compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the design parameters of the pump by using piston chambers with radial seals instead of traditional diaphragm pump configurations. This parameter change allows for a more compact design that can be manufactured at lower cost, as the piston chamber architecture permits simpler, more economical components while maintaining the required pumping performance and safety.
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 system allows for accurate dispensing of low drug doses with a compact size, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring user comfort by minimizing device size.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing bi-stable springs and radial seals to enable precise and compact drug delivery
Implementation Method 2
utilizing bi-stable springs and radial seals to enable precise and compact drug delivery
Data Source
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AI summary
A low-force, non-displacement, micro/miniature valve and/or pump assembly is provided. A tube component having a first side port coupled to an inlet portion and a second side port coupled to an outlet portion can be selectively moved to alternatively couple the side ports to a first or second piston pump chamber. First and second pistons can be actuated after positioning the tube component to either draw in fluid or push out fluid from either the first or second piston pump chambers during each actuation of the pistons. The fluid can be drawn in from a reservoir and can be expelled to a patient for providing a dose of the fluid to the patient.