Patch-Sized Fluid Delivery System with Redundant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fluid delivery devices for therapeutic compounds are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunction, with challenges in reducing size, weight, and cost while ensuring safe and precise delivery of fluids over time.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system with a reusable and disposable portion, featuring a flexible membrane fluid path, shape-memory actuators, and redundant systems for fail-safe operation, including a finite fluid impedance and acoustic volume sensing for precise fluid control, to ensure reliable and safe delivery of therapeutic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are made smaller and lighter, then patient compliance and comfort are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a reusable pump module and disposable reservoir/cartridge modules. This segmentation allows the complex pump mechanism to be manufactured once and reused, while simpler disposable modules are replaced, reducing overall device weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pumps with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and electronic fluid control mechanisms. This substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining precise fluid delivery control, directly addressing the weight reduction goal without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced to patch-sized dimensions, then patient compliance and portability are improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly challenges worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs nested modular architecture where disposable cartridges containing fluid reservoirs are inserted into the reusable pump housing. This nesting approach allows precise manufacturing of each module independently at optimal scales, then assembly into a compact patch-sized configuration, reducing overall volume without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible membranes and thin-film structures for fluid containment and actuation within the patch-sized device. These flexible components enable compact three-dimensional fluid paths and pumping mechanisms within minimal volume, while their flexibility tolerates minor manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
3Reliability
If redundant systems are added for fail-safe operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates fail-safe mechanisms designed in advance: the disposable cartridges are pre-filled with precise fluid volumes, and the system includes automatic shutdown features that activate if abnormal conditions are detected. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems, balancing safety with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable single-use cartridges that eliminate the need for complex sterilization, maintenance, and quality monitoring systems. By sacrificing the cartridge after one use, the system achieves high reliability through simple, sterile, pre-manufactured units rather than complex reusable systems requiring ongoing validation and maintenance protocols.
4Measurement precision
If precise fluid delivery control is implemented, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs passive fluid delivery mechanisms where pre-filled disposable cartridges use gravity, capillary action, or elastic membrane pressure to deliver fluid at controlled rates without active pumping. This self-service approach achieves sufficient therapeutic precision through simple physics-based mechanisms rather than complex electronically controlled pumps, significantly easing manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers fluid in periodic pulses or controlled intervals through simple mechanical or elastic mechanisms rather than continuous active pumping. This periodic action achieves precise cumulative fluid delivery over time through simple repeating cycles, maintaining therapeutic efficacy while using manufacturable components with relaxed precision tolerances.
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 malfunction and improving patient compliance by integrating redundant systems for fail-safe operation and precise volume control.
Implementation Method 1
shape-memory actuators
Implementation Method 2
acoustic volume sensing for precise fluid control
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.