Patch Pump Filling Aid Assembly for Hygienic Reservoir Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for filling reservoirs in patch-like medical devices used for administering liquids like insulin are prone to contamination, require separate sterilization of transfer syringes, and can lead to liquid wastage due to user error, especially when the reservoir is not removable or requires manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A filling aid assembly with a piston, dial ring, and transmission gear assembly that allows easy, hygienic filling of the reservoir by connecting a pre-filled container directly to the patch pump, minimizing direct interaction with the delicate drive mechanism and incorporating safety features to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable syringe-like reservoir is used for refilling, then the reservoir can be easily accessed and refilled, but the risk of contamination increases and the reservoir and piston mechanism become more complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The filling system is divided into separate functional components: a filling aid assembly with lid part for access, a dial ring for operation, and a transmission gear assembly for mechanism actuation. This segmentation allows the reservoir to remain integrated in the patch pump while providing easy access through the lid opening, eliminating the need to remove the reservoir and reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling aid assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the reservoir. The lid part with opening provides controlled access, the dial ring serves as an intermediate operating element, and the transmission gear assembly mediates the mechanical action. This intermediary system enables refilling without direct exposure of the reservoir to contamination sources.
2Reliability
If a separate transfer syringe is used to fill the reservoir, then the reservoir can be filled without removal, but the syringe requires separate sterilization and liquid may be wasted due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The filling aid assembly merges the functions of access, operation, and mechanism actuation into a single integrated component. The lid part with opening provides access, the dial ring provides the interface, and the transmission gear assembly connects to the piston mechanism. This unified design eliminates the need for separate transfer syringes and their associated sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling aid assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient. The lid part, dial ring, and transmission gear assembly work together as a complete filling system that does not require external syringes or additional sterilization steps. The system serves its own filling function through the integrated mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism is directly accessed to move the piston, then the piston can be operated easily, but the delicate drive mechanism is at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission gear assembly serves as a protective intermediary between the user-operated dial ring and the delicate drive mechanism. The gear assembly transmits rotational motion from the dial ring to the piston in a controlled manner, isolating the fragile drive mechanism from direct user interaction and potential damage while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the user interface (dial ring), the transmission mechanism (transmission gear assembly), and the driven component (piston and drive mechanism). This segmentation allows the delicate drive mechanism to be protected while maintaining operational ease through the separate dial ring interface.
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
Facilitates easy, hygienic, and safe filling of the reservoir with reduced risk of contamination and damage to the patch pump's drive mechanism, ensuring efficient liquid transfer and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission gear assembly arranged within the lid part, wherein the dial ring comprises an internal gearing. The transmission gear assembly is in engagement with the internal gearing of the dial ring and the transmission gear assembly comprises an output element for connection with a drive mechanism of the patch pump to translate a rotational movement of the dial ring into the displacement of the piston
Data Source
AI summary
A filling aid assembly (1) for filling a liquid into a reservoir (101) of a patch pump (100) comprising a piston (102) arranged within the reservoir (101) comprises a lid part (2) configured to be arranged on top of the patch pump (100), the lid part having an opening (21) for accessing the reservoir when the lid part (2) is arranged on top of the patch pump (100) to enable fluidic exchange between the reservoir (101) and a pre-filled container (10) containing the liquid. The filling aid assembly further comprises a dial ring (4) and a transmission gear assembly (5) that is in engagement with an internal gearing (41) of the dial ring (4) to translate a rotational movement of the dial ring (4) into a displacement of the piston (102) within the reservoir (101).