Patch Fluid Delivery Architecture With Reusable-Disposable Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch-sized fluid delivery systems for therapeutic agents face challenges in reducing size, weight, and cost while ensuring reliable and precise fluid delivery, particularly for life-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized housing with a reusable and disposable portion, where the disposable portion includes fluid management components and a fluid reservoir, and the reusable portion includes actuators, sensors, and a controller for managing fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced to patch-scale, then the device becomes more wearable and patient-friendly, but the reliability and precision of fluid delivery may deteriorate due to space constraints on critical components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate reusable and disposable portions. The disposable portion contains fluid management components (reservoir, fluid path, cannula) that come into contact with fluid, while the reusable portion contains electronic components (controller, sensors, actuators). This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion is designed to be removably engaged with the reusable portion, creating a nested configuration where the smaller disposable unit interfaces with the larger reusable unit. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and ensures proper alignment of fluid pathways and electronic interfaces while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Device complexity
If the device complexity is reduced to minimize components, then the device becomes easier to manufacture and maintain, but the fail-safe operation and continuous delivery capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates redundant components and fail-safe mechanisms designed in advance to prevent delivery failure. The controller includes safety features that detect and respond to potential failures before they occur, such as monitoring fluid flow rates and detecting occlusions. The disposable portion can be pre-filled and tested before engagement with the reusable portion, ensuring proper function.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor fluid delivery parameters (flow rate, pressure, volume delivered) and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts pump operation in real-time based on this feedback to maintain precise delivery and detect anomalies. This closed-loop control system ensures reliable operation while maintaining a relatively simple component structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the disposable portion includes all fluid management components, then the reusable portion can be used multiple times reducing long-term cost, but the initial device cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate reusable and disposable portions. The disposable portion contains fluid management components (reservoir, fluid path, cannula) that come into contact with fluid, while the reusable portion contains electronic components (controller, sensors, actuators) that can be reused. This segmentation allows the expensive electronic components to be reused while the disposable portion is replaced, reducing long-term costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable portion is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different disposable portions. The controller, sensors, and actuators in the reusable portion can work with multiple types of disposable fluid management units, allowing a single reusable unit to serve multiple patients or multiple treatment regimens, thereby reducing long-term device costs.
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.