Reservoir Plunger Head Seal and Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems for delivering fluidic media, such as insulin, often require manual needle insertion, which can be traumatic for patients, and there is a need for a more efficient and patient-friendly method to manage the delivery of medication, especially in portable and ambulatory settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reservoir with a movable plunger head and plunger arm, where the plunger arm is operatively connected to a drive member, allowing for controlled movement within the reservoir to facilitate the delivery of fluidic media, including a seal member and protuberances for alignment and stability, and a casing that supports the plunger arm for linear movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual needle insertion is used for delivering fluidic media, then the device complexity is reduced, but patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is pre-loaded in a retracted position within the delivery device, and the insertion mechanism is activated automatically or semi-automatically to thrust the needle forward into the patient's skin, eliminating the need for manual insertion while reducing trauma through controlled, rapid deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device incorporates an automatic insertion mechanism that uses spring force or motor actuation to self-insert the needle into the patient's skin without requiring manual manipulation, thereby reducing patient trauma while maintaining device functionality
2Measurement precision
If a plunger head system with multiple components is used for controlled fluidic media delivery, then delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger head is divided into separate functional components including a plunger body, seal member, and drive interface, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving precise fluidic media delivery through coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger head assembly serves multiple functions including sealing against the reservoir, transmitting drive force from the motor, and controlling fluidic media flow, thereby achieving precise delivery without requiring separate dedicated components for each function
3Reliability
If the plunger arm is fully enclosed in the casing, then protection is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger arm is partially nested within the casing, with only the necessary portions exposed for operational engagement, providing protection for internal components while maintaining accessibility for drive mechanism interaction and fluidic media delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A casing may be configured to envelop at least a portion of a plunger arm attached to a plunger head located in a reservoir. A plunger head moveable in a reservoir may have a front portion comprising a first material compatible with fluidic media in an interior volume of the reservoir. A seal member having a first end and a second end that taper to a mid-portion may be positioned between a reservoir and a plunger head. A bias member may be configured to force a plunger arm operatively connected to a plunger head against a drive member to operatively engage the plunger arm to the drive member. A plunger head moveable in a reservoir may have a first ridge, a second ridge, a seal member adjacent at least one of the ridges, and protrusions arranged around at least one of the ridges.