Multi-mode Power Supply for Portable Infusion Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable infusion devices face inefficiencies in energy utilization due to voltage decay in batteries, particularly alkaline batteries, and lack adaptive charging modes to meet varying operational demands, leading to suboptimal performance and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode power supply system comprising two batteries (one for constant charging and another for powering the device) with independent power supply circuits, allowing for different charging modes based on infusion conditions, and incorporating a supercapacitor for enhanced power density and stability, along with a monitoring circuit for voltage management and power failure protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single battery is used to power the portable infusion device, then the device structure is simple, but the energy utilization is low due to voltage decay
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent batteries: Battery I (primary power source) and Battery II (secondary power source). Battery I powers the control unit and charges Battery II, while Battery II powers the driving unit. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for specific functions, improving overall energy utilization by preventing voltage decay issues from affecting the entire system.
2Loss of energy
If a two-battery system is used to improve energy utilization, then the energy utilization increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power supply functions into two independent circuits: Power Supply Circuit A (Battery I to control unit) and Power Supply Circuit B (Battery II to driving unit). This clear segmentation simplifies the control logic despite having two batteries, as each circuit operates independently with dedicated management.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery I serves dual functions: it powers the control unit directly and simultaneously charges Battery II through the charging circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated charging components, thereby managing complexity while improving energy utilization.
3Device complexity
If a fixed charging mode is used, then the charging circuit is simple, but the adaptability to different infusion conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The charging circuit dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The control unit monitors the state of charge of Battery II and the operational mode of the infusion device, then adjusts the charging current and voltage accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize charging efficiency for different infusion conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the charging status of Battery II and adjusts the charging parameters from Battery I. This feedback loop ensures optimal charging performance across different operating conditions while maintaining manageable circuit complexity through automated control.
4Power
If alkaline batteries are used, then the initial voltage is high, but the voltage decays rapidly reducing operating time
Solution Approach 1:
Battery I is designed to continuously charge Battery II in advance during periods when the driving unit is not actively drawing power. This preliminary charging action ensures that Battery II is ready to provide high current when needed, extending the overall operating time of the device by preparing energy reserves before they are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having Battery I constantly charge Battery II during idle periods, ensuring that energy is continuously transferred and stored. This continuous charging process maximizes the utilization of Battery I's capacity and extends the total operating duration of the infusion device.
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
This system optimizes energy utilization by adjusting charging modes according to device needs, extends battery life, and provides reliable power with reduced waste and increased efficiency through the use of a supercapacitor, ensuring consistent operation even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
A supercapacitor is a high-capacity electrochemical capacitor with capacitance values much higher than other capacitors
Implementation Method 2
Currently, a portable device in the market is usually powered by either an alkaline battery, a lithium-ion battery or a NiMH battery
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-mode power supply system for a portable infusion device is provided, comprising a Battery I and an Battery II, the Battery I constantly charges the Battery II constituting a charging circuit, which adopts one of multiple charging modes including a basal-rate slow charging mode, a bolus-dose fast charging mode and a background charging mode depending on different drug infusion conditions; the Battery I powers the control unit independently, and the Battery II powers the driving unit independently; a unidirectional conduction circuit, a monitoring circuit and a detecting circuit are further comprised to ensure the normal operation of the power supply system under various circumstances. Any two of the Battery I, the Battery II, the driving unit and the control unit can be located in one housing, and the other two in the other housing; regardless of any particular combination, the coupling of the Battery I with the control unit and the Battery II with the driving unit are both implemented directly by a connecting element or connecting elements. This implementation of power supply meets both needs of basic functions and high power functions of the system with stability and efficiency.