Patch Pump Cartridge Attachment for Intuitive Quarter-Turn Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulin patch pumps for diabetes management often require complex user interfaces, non-intuitive cartridge attachment mechanisms, and lack integration with remote control devices and glucose monitoring systems, making them less user-friendly and less efficient.

Innovation Solution

A user-wearable patch pump system featuring a reusable drive unit and a replaceable/refillable cartridge with a quarter-turn attachment mechanism, allowing for secure and intuitive cartridge alignment and locking, and integration with remote control devices and glucose monitoring systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex user interface and non-intuitive cartridge attachment mechanism are used in existing insulin patch pumps, then the device can provide continuous subcutaneous medicament injection, but the ease of operation deteriorates making the device less user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous subcutaneous medicament injectionVSAvoidcartridge attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a cartridge with a coupling protrusion and a drive unit with a coupling recess. The quarter-turn mechanism divides the attachment process into sequential rotational steps (0° to 90°), making the operation intuitive and easier to perform while maintaining reliable medicament delivery functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If existing patch pumps are designed without integration with remote control devices and glucose monitoring systems, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability deteriorates reducing treatment efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidintegration with remote control and glucose monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patch pump system is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple roles: it serves as an insulin delivery device, a data collection platform through glucose monitoring integration, and a remote-controlled medication management system. This universal design enables the pump to adapt to different treatment scenarios and user needs without significantly increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Communication modules and interfaces act as intermediaries between the patch pump and external devices (remote control devices and glucose monitoring systems). These intermediaries enable data exchange and control functions while keeping the pump's core structure simple, allowing integration benefits without proportional complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12343496B2Patch pump cartridge attachment

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 TANDEM DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

A user-wearable patch pump system for delivery of insulin or other medicament can include a patch pump having a reusable drive unit and a replaceable and refillable cartridge. The cartridge can selectively attach to and be detached from the drive unit. The cartridge can initially be inserted onto the drive unit in a first orientation at an angle to the drive unit and then be rotated to align the cartridge with the drive unit and lock the cartridge in place on the drive unit to form the patch pump.