Piezoelectric Drive Mechanism for Insulin Pump Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulin pump drive mechanisms suffer from insufficient pressure, low dosing precision, potential safety concerns, high noise levels, high power consumption, and large size, making them inconvenient for long-term insulin delivery.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism comprising a motor, gear transmission system, helical transmission system, and sensor system, which includes a plug, screw shaft, sliding block, and dual gears for precise medication delivery, with a compact design, low noise, and low power consumption, allowing for monitored operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional drive mechanism is used in an insulin pump, then the pump can deliver insulin, but the dosing precision is low and pressure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical drive mechanism with a piezoelectric ceramic-based drive mechanism. The piezoelectric ceramic converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement, enabling precise control of the plunger movement and insulin delivery dosage. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both high dosing precision through electronic control and sufficient pressure through the direct coupling of the piezoelectric element to the plunger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drive mechanism by using piezoelectric material properties. The piezoelectric ceramic can undergo rapid, precise dimensional changes when voltage is applied, allowing for precise control of insulin delivery parameters (dosage, rate, pressure) while maintaining reliability through the material's inherent stability and repeatability.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional drive mechanism is used, then the pump structure is simple, but the device size is large making it inconvenient to use
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the conventional mechanical transmission system with a piezoelectric direct-drive system, the patent eliminates the need for complex mechanical components such as gears, linkages, and transmission shafts. This substitution dramatically reduces the device volume while improving ease of operation, as the pump becomes more compact and portable without sacrificing dosing precision or reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional drive mechanism is used, then the pump can function, but noise level is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy mechanical transmission system with a piezoelectric drive system that operates silently. The piezoelectric ceramic generates motion through electrical field-induced dimensional changes rather than mechanical gear engagement, eliminating the noise generated by tooth meshing and mechanical friction. This substitution maintains functional performance while dramatically reducing noise levels, making the pump suitable for quiet environments and nighttime use.
4Reliability
If a conventional drive mechanism is used, then the pump can deliver insulin, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-intensive mechanical transmission system with a piezoelectric drive system that consumes less energy. The piezoelectric ceramic converts electrical energy directly into mechanical work with high efficiency, eliminating energy losses associated with mechanical friction, gear transmission, and heat generation in conventional systems. This substitution maintains reliable insulin delivery function while reducing power consumption, extending battery life and improving portability.
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
Enables precise dosing of viscous medications with a compact, low-noise, and low-power consumption design, ensuring accurate and safe insulin delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The helical transmission system comprises a plug, a screw shaft disposed in an interior of the plug, and a sliding block threadingly connected with the screw shaft. The motor is configured to rotate the screw shaft of the helical transmission system via the gear transmission system, to thereby move the plug along a linear path relative to the housing.
Implementation Method 2
a gear transmission system disposed in a space defined by the housing and the gear cover, a helical transmission system disposed in an interior of the housing and connected to the motor by the gear transmission system
Data Source
AI summary
A drive mechanism for a medication delivery device includes a motor, a housing, a gear cover, a gear transmission system, a helical transmission system, and a sensor system. The helical transmission system includes a plug, a screw shaft, and a sliding block connecting the plug to the screw shaft. The gear transmission system includes a first gear disposed on an output shaft of the motor and a second gear disposed on one end of the screw shaft. Dual gears interconnect the first and second gears. The motor drives the plug along a linear path by rotating the screw shaft via the gear transmission system, causing the sliding block to move along the screw shaft. The sensor system monitors the driving process. The plug provides the force required to effect the dosing of the medication.