Piezoelectric Micropump for Head-Mounted Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion systems for subcutaneous fluid delivery are expensive and face challenges in maintaining stable medication flow rates, and there is a need for improved ambulatory infusion devices that can efficiently and conveniently deliver medications like those for temporomandibular joint pain treatment.
Innovation Solution
A subcutaneous infusion system comprising a fluid source, delivery system, fluid conduits, a piezoelectrically actuated pump, and a support frame that can be mounted on the head, allowing for continuous and programmable delivery of medications through a cannula or microneedle array, with features like secure attachment and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pump type delivery devices are used, then fluid delivery capability is achieved, but the cost is high and stable flow rates are difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pump systems with a piezoelectrically actuated micropump system. The piezoelectric actuator converts electrical signals into precise mechanical displacement, driving a microfluidic pump that delivers fluid through a cannula. This substitution enables stable, programmable flow rates (10-100 microliters per minute) while reducing overall device complexity and cost compared to traditional pump mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a piezoelectric actuator that can be precisely controlled through electrical parameters. By adjusting the voltage, frequency, and waveform applied to the piezoelectric element, the system can programmably control fluid flow rates within the range of 10-100 microliters per minute, ensuring stable and reliable delivery without complex mechanical flow control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a support frame is added to mount the system on the head, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infusion system into distinct functional modules: a piezoelectrically actuated micropump unit, a fluid reservoir, a cannula assembly, and a separate support frame. This segmentation allows the support frame to be independently designed for secure head mounting without complicating the internal pump mechanism, enabling reliable attachment while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the compact micropump system and the user's head. It provides the necessary structural support and mounting interface without being part of the fluid delivery mechanism itself, thus securing the system reliably while keeping the core pump design simple and uncomplicated.
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturized piezoelectric pump is used, then device size is reduced, but flow rate control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a piezoelectrically actuated micropump that replaces conventional mechanical pumping mechanisms. The piezoelectric actuator provides precise control over the pump chamber volume changes, enabling accurate flow rate control (10-100 microliters per minute) in a miniaturized device. The direct coupling between electrical input and mechanical displacement eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages, maintaining precision while reducing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains flow rate control precision in the miniaturized pump by utilizing electrical parameter control of the piezoelectric actuator. By precisely adjusting the voltage amplitude, frequency, and pulse width applied to the piezoelectric element, the system can accurately regulate fluid flow rates within the narrow range of 10-100 microliters per minute, achieving manufacturing-level precision through electrical control rather than mechanical tolerances.
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 continuous, on-demand medication delivery with a flow rate of 10 to 100 microliters per minute, minimizing backflow and operating voltage, while being comfortable and securely attached to the head, addressing the need for efficient and stable ambulatory infusion.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectrically actuated pump
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system for subcutaneous delivery of a fluid to a subject is disclosed. The infusion system comprises a source of a fluid; a fluid delivery system; a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the source of the fluid and the fluid delivery system; a fluid injection device configured to be inserted into the skin of a subject for delivering the fluid to the subject; a second fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system and the fluid injection device; and a support frame attached to the source of the fluid and the fluid delivery system, wherein the support frame is configured to mount the source of the fluid and the fluid delivery system on a region of a head of the subject. The fluid delivery system moves the fluid from the source of the fluid, through the first fluid conduit, through the second fluid conduit, and through the fluid injection device.