Patch Fluid Delivery Architecture With Redundant Wearable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fluid delivery devices are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunction, making it difficult to administer therapeutic compounds consistently and safely, especially for patients requiring frequent parenteral delivery.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system with a reusable and disposable portion, where the disposable portion includes fluid management components and the reusable portion includes non-disposable components, utilizing a modular design with redundant systems and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure reliable and precise fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are designed to be compact and wearable, then device size and weight are reduced, but reliability and malfunction resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a pump module, reservoir module, and control module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both size and reliability, while the modular architecture reduces overall complexity and facilitates easier repair or replacement of individual parts without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates redundant components and fail-safe mechanisms designed in advance to prevent and mitigate malfunctions. This includes backup pathways for fluid delivery, redundant sensing capabilities, and pre-programmed response protocols that activate automatically upon detecting potential failures, ensuring continuous reliable operation despite the compact form factor.
2Weight of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are designed to be compact and wearable, then device weight is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs multi-functional components that perform multiple operations within a single integrated unit. For example, the pump mechanism serves both fluid delivery and priming functions, while the control system handles monitoring, regulation, and alarm functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed, lowering manufacturing costs despite the advanced capabilities required for a compact wearable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes flexible membranes and thin-film structures for fluid containment and transmission pathways. These thin-film components significantly reduce material usage and device weight while maintaining structural integrity and fluid barrier properties. The flexible nature of these components also allows for compact folding or conformal arrangements that minimize overall device dimensions without requiring expensive rigid structural supports.
3Volume of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are designed to be compact and wearable, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a pump module, reservoir module, and control module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both size and reliability, while the modular architecture reduces overall complexity and facilitates easier repair or replacement of individual parts without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into integrated assemblies to reduce the total number of discrete parts. For example, the valve mechanism is integrated directly into the pump housing, and the sensing elements are embedded within the fluid pathway structures. This merging of functions reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the compact form factor.
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.