Patch Fluid Delivery Architecture With Reusable and Disposable Modules
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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 extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system comprising a reusable and disposable portion, where the reusable portion includes a controller, pump, and sensors, and the disposable portion contains the fluid path and reservoir, utilizing shape-memory actuators and flexible membrane material to manage fluid delivery, with features like fail-safe operation and redundant systems for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing portable fluid delivery devices are used, then fluid delivery function is provided, but device size is bulky and weight is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate portions: a reusable portion containing the controller, pump, and sensors, and a disposable portion containing the fluid path and reservoir. This segmentation allows the critical control components to be reused while the fluid-contact components are replaced, reducing overall device size and weight while maintaining reliability through consistent controller performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion is designed to be removably engaged with the reusable portion, creating a nested configuration where the fluid path components are contained within or attached to the pump housing. This nesting reduces the overall device volume when the disposable portion is not in use.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing portable fluid delivery devices are used, then fluid delivery function is provided, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into reusable and disposable portions, the expensive electronic components (controller, sensors, pump motor) are manufactured once and reused, while the simpler fluid path components are manufactured separately at lower cost. This segmentation reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability through consistent controller performance across multiple disposable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion containing the fluid path is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that is replaced rather than repaired. This eliminates the need for expensive maintenance and repair infrastructure, reducing overall system cost while ensuring reliability through fresh, un worn components for each use cycle.
3Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced to patch-sized, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex functions are segmented between the reusable portion (controller, pump, sensors) and the disposable portion (fluid path, reservoir). This segmentation allows the patch-sized device to achieve portability by externalizing the complex electronic components while keeping the implanted or wearable portion simple and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion utilizes flexible membrane material for the fluid path, allowing the fluid delivery system to be compressed into a thin, patch-sized form factor. The flexible membranes enable pump and valve functions without requiring bulky mechanical components, thus reducing device size while managing the complexity of fluid control.
4Volume of moving object
If shape-memory actuators and flexible membrane material are used, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane material is used to create the fluid path, pump chambers, and valve structures. This approach allows complex three-dimensional fluid handling functions to be achieved through two-dimensional membrane patterning, reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to rigid mechanical components while achieving high device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
Shape-memory actuators are used to change the physical state or configuration of components (e.g., expanding chambers, opening/closing valves) through temperature or electrical stimulus rather than complex mechanical linkages. This parameter-based control reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining compact device size.
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 achieves a compact, reliable, and cost-effective means of delivering therapeutic fluids over extended periods with precise volume control and safety features, reducing the likelihood of device failure and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The motor may include one or more shape-memory actuators
Implementation Method 2
The disposable portion includes a substrate having flexible membrane material thereon and incorporating therein a fluid channel
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.