Modular Infusion Pump with Single-Handed Module Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion pumps are not designed for field environments and require maintenance by trained technicians, making them unsuitable for use in harsh conditions such as military treatment areas or transport vehicles, where they need to withstand vibration, moisture, and dust while allowing for single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact, ambulatory modular infusion pump system with hardened components, easily replaceable pump modules, and a user-friendly design that allows single-handed operation, featuring a housing with a controller and pump modules that are shock-resistant and sealed against moisture and dust, with button assemblies for easy module access and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infusion pumps are used in field environments, then they can provide medical fluid administration, but they cannot withstand vibration, moisture and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate modules including a controller module and pump module that can be independently replaced. This modular design allows the pump to be serviced in the field without replacing the entire system, improving reliability in harsh environments where maintenance may be needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module is designed to be easily removed and replaced by end-users without requiring specialized tools or trained technicians. This self-service capability allows medical providers to perform maintenance and replacements in field environments, ensuring continuous operation despite harsh conditions.
2Reliability
If conventional infusion pumps are designed for stability, then they provide reliable operation, but they are complex systems requiring highly trained technicians for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the controller and pump into independent modules that can be serviced separately. The pump module can be removed and replaced without affecting the controller, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing the need for highly trained technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module incorporates features that allow end-users to perform maintenance and replacements themselves. The module design includes easy-attach and detach mechanisms that do not require special tools or extensive training, enabling self-service in field environments.
3Measurement precision
If conventional infusion pumps are designed for precision, then they provide accurate fluid delivery, but they cannot be operated with single handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump module is designed to be easily attached and detached with one hand, allowing medical providers to quickly change tube sets or service the pump without requiring two hands. This maintains ease of operation while preserving fluid delivery accuracy through the controlled pumping mechanism.
4Volume of moving object
If conventional infusion pumps are made compact, then they reduce size for portability, but they become harder to service and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into compact but separable modules. The pump module maintains a compact form factor for portability while incorporating quick-connect mechanisms that allow easy separation from the controller, preserving serviceability despite the compact overall size.
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 provides reliable, field-serviceable infusion pumps that can operate in rugged conditions without specialized tools, ensuring continuous medical fluid administration in challenging environments while allowing medical providers to manage multiple pump configurations and tube sets efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
Infusion pumps typically use a linear peristaltic or similar type of mechanism that creates the pumping action by way of squeezing IV tubing to generate the pressure that causes the IV medication to flow through the IV tubing and ultimately into the patient
Implementation Method 2
The squeezing action can also be used as a mechanism to close off the flow
Data Source
AI summary
Ambulatory modular infusion pump systems are provided, including a housing having a housing front and a housing back, a controller coupled to the housing front, and one or more pump modules disposed within the housing. Each pump module includes a door assembly including a door having a door securement, a channel housing, a cartridge gasket, at least one sensor, a plurality of pump fingers, a frame assembly and a motor. One or more button assemblies are disposed on the housing front, each button assembly having a button disposed adjacent a corresponding pump module and configured to release the door of the corresponding pump module when the button is moved to a release position. Methods of single handed operation of and configuration of ambulatory modular infusion pump systems are also provided.