Modular Infusion Pump Segmentation for Tubing-Free Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion systems for diabetics are costly and uncomfortable due to the need for frequent insulin injections and long infusion tubing, which can be disrupted by mechanical movement.
Innovation Solution
A modular infusion system with a cannula carrier unit and a pump unit that can be carried under clothing, featuring a rechargeable battery and a small storage volume for the medicinal agent, allowing for refilling without removing the cannula and using two pump units in alternating manner for extended use and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If long infusion tubing is used to connect the pump unit and cannula carrier unit, then the pump unit can be carried at a distance from the body, but the mechanical movement and strain disturb the liquid transport and cause user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separable components: a disposable cannula carrier unit that remains on the body and a reusable pump unit that can be charged separately. This segmentation eliminates the need for long connecting tubing while allowing the pump to be detached for charging purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
A charging station acts as an intermediary device that wirelessly charges the pump unit when placed upon it, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and long tubing while maintaining reliable liquid transport through the short integrated connection.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a large storage volume is provided in the pump unit, then the infusion system can operate for longer periods, but the manufacturing costs and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the storage function into two parts: a small integrated storage volume in the reusable pump unit and a larger external storage container in the charging station. This allows the pump to remain compact and cost-effective while the station provides bulk storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station serves as an intermediary that automatically transfers medicinal agent from its large storage container to the pump unit's smaller volume, enabling extended operation duration without requiring the pump itself to have large capacity.
3Reliability
If the pump unit is made fully waterproof to prevent moisture entry, then the reliability increases, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula carrier unit is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex waterproofing mechanisms. This allows the reusable pump unit to use simpler, less expensive sealing solutions while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station is designed with a recess that receives and protects the pump unit during charging, physically isolating it from moisture and dirt sources. This external protection approach is more cost-effective than making the pump itself fully waterproof.
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 reduces costs and enhances user comfort by minimizing the need for long tubing, allowing continuous insulin delivery with reduced frequency of pump unit refilling and cannula replacement, while maintaining high convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The rechargeable battery is preferably recharged by inductive coupling with the charging station
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an infusion system for administering a liquid medicament, particularly insulin. Said infusion system comprises a cannula support unit which is properly attached to a patient's body, an infusion cannula to be inserted into the patient's body, and a pump unit that can be connected to the cannula support unit and encompasses a pump, a battery for supplying power to the pump, and a storage volume for the medicament that is to be administered. The pump unit and the cannula support unit are adapted to one another in such a way that the pump unit rests against the cannula support unit once the pump unit has been connected to the cannula support unit. The disclosed infusion system also comprises a charging station for the pump unit in order to recharge the battery of the pump unit.