Opaque Reservoir Wall with Viewing Windows for Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical infusion pump systems can be traumatic for patients due to the rapid insertion of needles, and there is a need for a system that allows for controlled and transparent monitoring of fluidic media within the reservoir.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir system with a wall made of a material that prevents light from passing through, featuring opaque and textured surfaces with strategically placed windows for viewing, and a drive mechanism for controlled fluid delivery, integrated into a pen-like injection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a quick thrust needle insertion is used, then the insertion speed increases and trauma is reduced for some patients, but the insertion process becomes less controllable and may cause more trauma for other patients who prefer slower insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The needle insertion mechanism transitions from a static manual insertion to a dynamic automated insertion with variable speed control. The system can adjust the insertion speed based on patient response, allowing for a controlled thrust that adapts to individual patient needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between insertion speed and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor patient response during needle insertion and adjust the insertion parameters accordingly. This allows the system to detect when a patient prefers slower insertion and modify the insertion speed in real-time, balancing the benefits of rapid insertion with patient-specific comfort requirements.
2Reliability
If the reservoir wall is made opaque to prevent light passage, then the structural integrity and protection are improved, but the ability to monitor fluidic media levels visually is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir wall is designed with different optical properties in different regions. The majority of the wall remains opaque for protection, while specific localized areas contain transparent or translucent windows that allow visual monitoring of fluid levels. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and visibility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir wall is segmented into multiple functional zones: opaque sections for structural protection and translucent sections for monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both protection and visibility by dividing the wall into distinct functional regions rather than using a uniform structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers are added to the reservoir system for improved protection and monitoring, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional layers are merged into a single integrated reservoir structure. The opaque and translucent sections are combined in one wall assembly, and the monitoring windows are integrated during the same manufacturing process. This merging approach enhances functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by avoiding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir wall structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural protection, enables visual monitoring, and maintains structural integrity. By making the wall multi-functional through strategic placement of opaque and translucent sections, the system enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for delivering fluidic media may include a reservoir disposed within a housing, the reservoir having at least one wall bordering an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the wall being made of a material comprising a cyclic olefin copolymer, the wall for substantially preventing light from passing through the material of the wall. Fluidic media contained in the interior volume may be expelled through a fluid conduit.