Modular Patch Pump Interface for Precise Metered Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable infusion devices for controlled substance delivery, such as insulin, often require complex assembly and maintenance, with reusable components needing frequent battery changes and sterilization, and lack a seamless integration of disposable and reusable parts for precise metered delivery.
Innovation Solution
A modular pump design comprising a disposable component with a pre-filled reservoir, cannula, and adhesive patch, and a reusable component with a motor and rechargeable battery, connected via a backlash-free interface for precise metered delivery, where the disposable provides energy and consumables, and the reusable handles metering and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular design with separable disposable and reusable parts is used, then ease of operation and reduced maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise interfacing and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into two separate modules: a disposable component containing the reservoir and cannula, and a reusable component containing the drive mechanism and electronics. This segmentation allows the disposable part to be easily replaced without servicing the reusable part, improving ease of operation while the standardized interface minimizes the complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable component that includes the reservoir and cannula, which are sterilized and sealed. This disposable module can be easily replaced when depleted or contaminated, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures on the reusable drive mechanism, thereby improving ease of operation
2Manufacturing precision
If a backlash-free interface is used for precise metered delivery, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the specialized connection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable component is pre-assembled with the reservoir and cannula in a sterile, sealed configuration before use. The interface features pre-formed sealing surfaces and alignment features that ensure precise, backlash-free connection when the disposable module is attached to the reusable drive mechanism, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If the reusable component remains sealed and sterilized, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to restricted access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sterilizable components (reservoir and cannula) into a separate disposable module that can be sterilized independently and replaced when needed. The reusable component remains permanently sealed and does not require sterilization or disassembly for routine maintenance, thereby maintaining reliability while actually improving ease of operation through simplified maintenance procedures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
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AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable module (20) which can be coupled to a reusable module (10) in order to form a pump for dispensing a substance to a user in a metered manner in the coupled state, comprising a housing which encases the following components: - a reservoir (22) for receiving the substance to be dispensed; and - an extensible cannula (23), in particular a hard cannula and/or a soft cannula which is or are fluidically connected to the reservoir (22) at least after being inserted or in a permanent manner, i.e. prior to being inserted as well.