Patch Fluid Delivery Architecture With Redundant Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fluid delivery devices for therapeutic compounds are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunction, and there is a need for a wearable device that can deliver drugs automatically over time without frequent user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system with a reusable and disposable portion, incorporating a flexible membrane material, shape-memory actuators, and redundant systems to ensure safe and precise fluid delivery, including features like fail-safe operation, redundant power sources, and remote user interface.
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 is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct portions: a reusable portion containing electronic components, power sources, and control systems, and a disposable portion containing fluid reservoirs and delivery mechanisms. This segmentation allows the complex reusable portion to be manufactured once and reused, while the simpler disposable portion is replaced periodically, effectively managing overall device complexity despite the compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape-memory actuators that change their physical properties (shape and stiffness) in response to temperature changes or electrical stimuli. This allows compact actuation mechanisms to achieve sufficient force for fluid delivery without requiring large mechanical components, thus maintaining small device size while managing the complexity of the actuation system.
2Volume of moving object
If portable fluid delivery devices are designed to be compact and wearable, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into reusable and disposable portions, the manufacturing complexity is distributed. The reusable portion with complex electronics is manufactured once at higher cost but amortized over multiple uses, while the disposable portion uses simpler, lower-cost manufacturing techniques suitable for high-volume production, thereby managing overall manufacturing cost despite compact size requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that contains all fluid management elements. This allows the use of inexpensive manufacturing processes for the disposable part while investing in more sophisticated manufacturing for the reusable electronic portion, optimizing the overall cost structure for a compact wearable device.
3Extent of automation
If automated fluid delivery is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but device complexity and malfunction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fluid delivery system is split between reusable electronic controls and disposable fluid management components. This segmentation isolates potential failure points: the disposable portion can be replaced if fluid delivery issues arise, while the reusable electronic portion maintains automated control functions. This reduces overall malfunction risk despite high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates redundant power sources and backup control mechanisms in the reusable portion to prevent complete system failure. These redundant elements provide a safety buffer against malfunctions, allowing the automated fluid delivery system to maintain high reliability despite the complexity introduced by automation.
4Reliability
If redundant systems are incorporated for fail-safe operation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Redundant safety systems are concentrated in the reusable portion of the device, separate from the disposable fluid delivery components. This allows comprehensive safety mechanisms (redundant power sources, backup control systems, fail-safe valves) to be implemented without increasing the complexity of the disposable portion, which is replaced regularly anyway.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automatic failure detection and response mechanisms that operate without user intervention. Sensors and control systems automatically detect malfunctions and activate backup systems or alert users, providing fail-safe operation while minimizing the complexity of user interaction with the redundant safety systems.
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 delivers therapeutic fluids with high precision and safety, reducing the risk of device failure and user intervention, while maintaining a compact size and cost-effectiveness.
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.