Patch-like Infusion Device with Belleville Spring Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion devices, such as insulin pumps, are cumbersome, costly, and inconvenient, offering limited precision and comfort due to needle-related discomfort, material compatibility issues, and potential malfunctions, while also being difficult to manufacture and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A patch-like, wearable infusion device with hidden microneedles that uses a Belleville spring assembly for pressurization, allowing for easy activation and secure needle implantation, along with improved valve and safety mechanisms for sterile delivery and needle protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional infusion pumps are used to provide continuous infusion and precision dosing, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable patch-like infusion device that eliminates the need for expensive, complex reusable pumps. The entire infusion system is contained in a single-use patch that is discarded after use, dramatically reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining precision dosing through pre-programmed delivery mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential infusion function from complex pump systems and concentrates it into a simple patch-like device. By removing unnecessary components and focusing only on the core infusion capability, the device achieves precision dosing with minimal complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional needles are used for substance delivery, then injection function is achieved, but user discomfort and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional large-bore needles with microneedles that have locally optimized properties - extremely fine diameter (30-37 gauge) to minimize discomfort while maintaining sufficient length (0.5-2mm) to achieve effective drug delivery. This local quality optimization reduces harmful effects while preserving injection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of needle exposure by implementing automatic retraction mechanisms and protective shields that contain microneedles after use. The very feature that could cause injury (exposed needles) is transformed into a safety feature through automated protection systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If short and fine-gauge injection needles are used to reduce discomfort, then user comfort is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and penetration control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling microneedles in fixed arrays on the patch substrate before sterilization and packaging. The needles are pre-positioned at precise depths and angles, eliminating manufacturing variability and ensuring consistent penetration performance. This pre-configuration simplifies both manufacturing and ensures reliable performance.
4Ease of operation
If wearable patch-like design is implemented for convenience, then ease of use and portability are improved, but device complexity and activation reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the patch structure itself - the adhesive substrate serves as both the wearable platform and the activation mechanism. Pressing the patch against the skin simultaneously activates the infusion system and secures the device, eliminating separate activation components and reducing overall complexity.
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 device provides a convenient, comfortable, and precise delivery of substances with reduced user discomfort and manufacturing complexity, enhancing safety and ease of use by hiding needles and using a Belleville spring for consistent pressure, while ensuring sterility and preventing accidental needle exposure.
Implementation Method 1
uses a Belleville spring assembly for pressurization
Implementation Method 2
pressurization, allowing for easy activation and secure needle implantation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, wherein the device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface and a push button activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock, allowing a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir, allow the release of the patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents. The push button activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms after use.