Patch Injection Pump With Inflatable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection methods are time-consuming, require physical contact between the caregiver and the subject, and involve the handling of multiple medication bottles and needles, making them inefficient and stressful, especially for inexperienced individuals and in situations where caregiver presence is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A patch pump device that automates the injection process, allowing for self-administration by the subject without direct caregiver contact, using a retractable needle assembly and inflatable component to deliver medication from a reservoir directly into the skin, with options for multiple preparations and sequential or concurrent administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual injection process is used, then medication can be administered, but the process is time-consuming and requires physical contact between caregiver and subject
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-filled with medication in a sealed cartridge, and the device is prepared in advance for use. This eliminates the need for manual preparation during the injection process, allowing the user to simply attach the device and administer the injection immediately, thereby reducing both preparation time and the time required for actual administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-administration of injections without requiring a caregiver. The automated mechanism allows the user to perform the injection independently by simply activating the device, eliminating the need for physical contact with a caregiver and reducing the time and complexity involved in the injection process.
2Ease of operation
If manual injection process is used, then medication can be administered, but it requires handling of multiple medication bottles and needles
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the needle, medication reservoir, and injection mechanism into a single integrated cartridge assembly. This merging of components eliminates the need to handle separate medication bottles and needles, reducing the number of parts the user must manage while maintaining full functionality for medication administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal injection system that can accommodate different types of medications and delivery requirements through interchangeable cartridges. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform multiple injection tasks without requiring separate equipment for each medication type, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual injection process is used, then medication can be administered, but it requires experience and skill in making injections
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual dexterity-based injection techniques with an automated mechanical system. The injection mechanism is pre-calibrated and designed to automatically perform the injection with consistent, accurate depth and angle, eliminating the need for user skill or experience while ensuring reliable and precise medication delivery every time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual injection process is used, then medication can be administered, but physical contact between subject and caregiver is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is specifically designed for self-administration, allowing the user to independently perform the injection without requiring physical contact with a caregiver. The simplified activation mechanism and intuitive design maintain ease of operation while enabling autonomous use, making it suitable for situations where caregiver contact is not feasible.
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 patch pump provides a convenient, automated, and stress-reduced method for medication delivery, enabling self-administration and reducing the need for caregiver contact, suitable for various scenarios including pandemics, remote locations, and pediatric use, while minimizing the handling of needles and bottles.
Implementation Method 1
In response to a triggering event, the inflatable component is inflated to deliver a preparation from the reservoir into a body of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A patch pump includes a needle assembly, a reservoir, a preparation, and an inflatable component. The needle assembly includes a cannula, and a plunger slidably disposed in the cannula. The plunger has a pointed tip and is structured to move within the cannula upon application of a force on the plunger such that the pointed tip of the plunger extends from the cannula to form a channel in a tissue of a subject. The reservoir is fluidically coupled to the needle assembly, and the preparation is contained in the reservoir. The inflatable component is structured to, upon inflation, press against the reservoir to force the preparation from the reservoir and into a flowpath between the reservoir and the cannula.