Patch Insulin Pump Microdosing With Reusable Cap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin delivery systems are not user-friendly, environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, discreet, and prone to errors, with a need for precise and repeatable medication dosing.
Innovation Solution
A patch-style wearable insulin pump with a pre-filled cartridge system, inductive charging, and a cap design that is reusable with the pump, featuring sensors for error detection and vibration alerts, along with a mechanism for precise dose delivery using a cam and lever system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional insulin delivery systems are used, then medication can be delivered to patients, but the systems are not user-friendly, environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system automatically performs dosing calculations, error detection, and delivery operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors for errors, self-adjusts dosing parameters based on glucose levels and activity data, and self-manages the complete medication delivery process, eliminating manual calculation and administration errors while improving user-friendliness
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from glucose monitors and activity trackers, automatically adjusting insulin dosing decisions based on real-time physiological data. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate, personalized dosing while reducing errors through automated decision-making rather than manual calculation
2Measurement precision
If precise medication dosing is implemented, then dosing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical dosing operations with automated electronic control. The pump uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and automated mechanisms to deliver precise microdoses, eliminating the need for manual calculation and administration while maintaining dosing precision through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the insulin delivery process into discrete microdoses rather than continuous or large-volume administration. This segmentation allows for highly precise dosing control through automated small increments, improving dosing precision while managing system complexity through modular dose delivery
3Ease of manufacture
If reusable pump components are used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates reusable pump components from disposable cartridges and accessories. The pump housing, battery, and electronics are designed as durable reusable units that can be manufactured with standard precision, while single-use components handle the precision-critical dosing functions, balancing manufacturing cost-effectiveness with the precision requirements for medication delivery
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 provides user-friendly, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective insulin delivery with reduced errors, ensuring precise and repeatable dosing through sensor-activated alerts and a cam-lever mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
inductive charging
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided herein for delivering medication (e.g., insulin) via a wearable pump having a patch-style form factor for adhesion to a user's body. The reusable pump may be coupled to a disposable cap housing a microdosing system for delivering precise, repeatable doses of medication to a cannula configured to deliver medication to a target infusion area beneath the user's outer skin layer. The system further may include an applicator for inserting the cannula into the user's skin and/or applying an adhesive pad to the skin.