Patch Fluid Delivery Assembly With Reusable-Disposable Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fluid delivery devices for therapeutic compounds are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunctions, with challenges in reducing size, weight, and cost while ensuring safe and precise delivery of fluids to patients.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system with a reusable and disposable portion, featuring a flexible membrane, shape-memory actuators, and redundant systems for fail-safe operation, including a pump, valve, and sensor mechanisms to ensure precise fluid management and patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are designed to be compact and wearable, then device size and weight are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable portion containing electronic components, power source, and control systems, and a disposable portion containing the fluid reservoir and delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex reusable portion to be manufactured once and reused, while the simpler disposable portion can be mass-produced at lower cost, thereby reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion of the device is designed to be discarded after a single use or limited number of uses. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization and maintenance systems, reduces manufacturing complexity of the overall device, and allows the reusable portion to be optimized for durability and reliability without cost constraints.
2Reliability
If redundant systems are implemented for fail-safe operation, then reliability is enhanced, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates redundant systems and fail-safe mechanisms that are built into the design from the outset. These include backup power sources, redundant sensing capabilities, and automatic shutdown features that prevent harmful operation. By planning for failures in advance, the system achieves high reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring and intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes automatic safety features that operate without user intervention, such as automatic pump shutdown upon detecting occlusions or air bubbles, and automatic alarm activation for low battery or fluid levels. This self-monitoring and self-correcting capability provides redundant protection while minimizing the complexity of user-facing control systems.
3Measurement precision
If precise fluid delivery control is achieved through active mechanical assemblies, then delivery precision is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system operates using periodic actuation cycles rather than continuous operation. The active mechanical assembly is activated in discrete pulses to deliver precise fluid volumes, with idle periods between actuations. This periodic operation maintains delivery precision while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex continuous mechanical pumping systems with simpler periodic actuation mechanisms. The active mechanical assembly uses controlled deformation of flexible membranes or diaphragms in response to periodic electrical signals, achieving precise fluid displacement through electro-mechanical coupling rather than complex continuous mechanical drive trains, thereby reducing power consumption.
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 effectively reduces device size and weight, enhances reliability, and ensures precise and safe fluid delivery, minimizing the risk of malfunctions and improving patient compliance with therapeutic schedules.
Implementation Method 1
shape-memory actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.