Miniature Insulin Patch Pump With Automated Cannula Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin infusion pumps are bulky and require frequent manual cannula insertion and reservoir filling, which is cumbersome for diabetes patients.
Innovation Solution
A miniature insulin patch pump with integrated reservoir filling and cannula insertion mechanisms, utilizing a reusable and disposable parts, and assisted by a gateway device for communication and a charger, along with a closed-loop system for automated insulin delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional insulin infusion pumps are used, then insulin delivery function is provided, but device size and weight are large
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable pump unit and disposable cartridges containing reservoir and cannula. This segmentation allows the main pump body to be minimized in size while the bulky reservoir remains in a separate disposable unit, directly resolving the contradiction between compact pump design and adequate insulin storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir and cannula are extracted from the permanent pump structure and placed in a separate disposable cartridge. This extraction eliminates the need for the pump body to accommodate large reservoir volumes, enabling a compact, lightweight pump design that maintains full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If manual cannula insertion and reservoir filling are required, then device structure is simple, but operation complexity and frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is pre-loaded within the disposable cartridge during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for patients to perform manual cannula insertion procedures, reducing operation complexity and saving time during daily use. The pre-assembled cartridge is simply attached to the pump and activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge is designed as a self-contained unit that automatically manages reservoir filling and cannula deployment. The system performs its own setup functions without requiring external manual intervention, thereby reducing operation complexity and maintenance time for the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable and disposable parts are integrated, then device complexity increases, but ease of manufacture and assembly improve
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable component that combines reservoir, cannula, and connecting mechanisms in a single non-reusable unit. This approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing each disposable cartridge to be produced independently using cost-effective processes, while the reusable pump body serves multiple cycles. The temporary nature of the disposable part reduces the need for high-durability materials and complex assembly mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (reservoir storage, cannula housing, connection interface, and disposal mechanism) are merged into a single integrated disposable cartridge. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing the number of separate components and interfaces, thereby easing manufacturing and assembly despite the apparent increase in modular complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to miniature insulin patch pump, assistance devices (e.g., for reservoir filling and/or cannula insertion), and methods related thereto. For example, in some embodiments, a substance/drug-delivery patch pump is provided and includes a reusable part (RP) including a power source, a driving mechanism, and an electronic module, and a disposable part (DP), where the disposable part can include at least a plurality of an adhesive base, a reservoir, a dosing mechanism, and a cannula.