Patch Fluid Delivery With Reusable-Disposable Split Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parenteral fluid delivery systems are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunction, making them inefficient for continuous, controlled release of therapeutic fluids.
Innovation Solution
A patch-sized fluid delivery system comprising a reusable and disposable portion, where the disposable portion includes fluid management components and a fluid reservoir, and the reusable portion includes a controller, pump, and sensors, allowing for automatic and precise delivery of fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with reservoirs and electronic controls, then automated fluid delivery is achieved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable portion (housing, controller, power source, pump actuators) and a disposable portion (fluid reservoir, fluid path, membrane). This segmentation allows the heavy electronic components to be separated from the fluid delivery components, enabling automated delivery while managing overall device weight through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane serves as an intermediary between the reusable pump actuators and the disposable fluid path. The membrane transmits mechanical force from the actuators to pump the fluid without requiring direct mechanical connection, enabling automated fluid delivery while simplifying the mechanical structure and reducing weight.
2Extent of automation
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with reservoirs and electronic controls, then automated fluid delivery is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable portion (housing, controller, power source, pump actuators) and a disposable portion (fluid reservoir, fluid path, membrane). This segmentation allows the expensive electronic components to be reused across multiple disposable units, reducing the average cost per device while maintaining automated fluid delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid reservoir and fluid path are designed as disposable components that can be manufactured at low cost using simple materials and processes. By replacing only the disposable portion after use, the system reduces overall device cost while maintaining automated delivery through the reusable electronic components.
3Ease of operation
If existing parenteral delivery systems are used, then puncture of the skin with a needle is required, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp penetrating element (needle or stylet) is extracted as a separate, replaceable component that can be sterilized and disposed of independently. The main device body remains simple and compact without integrated needle mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of skin penetration through the removable sharp component.
4Ease of manufacture
If reusable components are used in fluid delivery systems, then device cost is reduced, but reliability may decrease due to fluid contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable portion (housing, controller, power source, pump actuators) and a disposable portion (fluid reservoir, fluid path, membrane). This segmentation ensures that components contacting the fluid are disposable and cannot be contaminated, while non-contacting components are reusable, maintaining both cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion containing all fluid-contacting components is extracted as a separate unit that is discarded after use. This extraction eliminates the risk of fluid contamination in reusable components while allowing the expensive electronic parts to be reused, balancing reliability and cost.
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.