Port Connector Flow Path Layout for Modular Drug Injection Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin pumps face challenges in accommodating changes to specific components due to manufacturing difficulties, necessitating a device that can flexibly adapt to modifications in drug reservoirs and injection assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A port connector is introduced between the drug reservoir and pump assembly, featuring first and second flow paths to facilitate drug delivery, enhancing the versatility of the electroosmotic pump by allowing independent modifications to connection portions without altering the pump assembly's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the internal structure of insulin injectors is changed to achieve miniaturization and automation, then the convenience for users is improved, but the difficulty of replacing entire assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection device is divided into independent modules: a pump assembly, a drug reservoir assembly, and an injection assembly. Each module can be manufactured separately and replaced independently, allowing component changes without replacing the entire device. The pump assembly includes a pump body with a pump chamber, while the drug reservoir can be detached and replaced as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump assembly is designed as a universal platform that can work with different types of drug reservoirs and injection assemblies. The standardized connection interfaces allow the same pump assembly to accommodate various component configurations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is miniaturized, then user comfort is improved, but the complexity of internal structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drug reservoir is positioned within the housing, and the injection assembly is nested within the pump assembly structure. The plunger moves within the pump chamber, and the injection needle is housed within the injection assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining functional separation of components.
3Reliability
If the pump assembly structure is fixed, then manufacturing stability is improved, but adaptability to component changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates detachable and replaceable components including the drug reservoir, injection assembly, and plunger. These dynamic elements can be removed and replaced without affecting the permanent pump body structure, allowing manufacturing stability for the core assembly while enabling flexibility for component updates and variations.
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 port connector enhances the versatility of the electroosmotic pump, enabling flexible adaptation to changes in drug reservoirs and injection assemblies, reducing the overall device size and user discomfort while maintaining stability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pump assembly which electrochemically generates positive and negative pressures to suck and discharge the drug from the drug reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
A drug injection device according to the present disclosure includes: a housing which includes a lid and a contact surface and in which a mounting space is formed between the lid and the contact surface; a drug reservoir which is disposed in the mounting space and in which a drug is stored; a pump assembly which electrochemically generates positive and negative pressures to suck and discharge the drug from the drug reservoir; a port connector which is disposed between the drug reservoir and the pump assembly and coupled to the drug reservoir and the pump assembly, and provides a first flow path through which the drug sucked from the drug reservoir to the pump assembly moves and a second flow path through which the drug discharged from the pump assembly moves; and an insertion tube coupled to the port connector and configured to inject the drug into a user.