Protective Bubble for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing insulin pumps, PODs, CGM devices, feeding tubes, and IV ports fail to provide a waterproof or water-resistant protection during water-related activities or strenuous events, leading to device dislodgment and potential loss, and do not accommodate multiple attachment locations on the body.
Innovation Solution
A protective bubble or cover with a waterproof adhesive layer that adheres to the skin, creating a water-resistant or waterproof seal around medical devices, allowing them to remain in place during activities and providing access if needed, with optional belts or bands for additional retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spandex band is used to secure PODs or sensors, then the device may be kept secure during normal activities, but the device is not waterproof and may become dislodged during water-related activities or strenuous exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible waterproof film or coating to create a protective barrier over the POD or sensor. This flexible shell conforms to the body contour and seals around the device, preventing water ingress while maintaining comfort and security during water-related activities and exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple materials with different properties: a stretchable base layer for security, a waterproof film or coating for water resistance, and potentially adhesive elements for enhanced attachment. This composite structure achieves both device security and waterproof protection simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-size band is provided, then manufacturing and inventory management is simplified, but the band may not fit all body sizes and locations properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable features such as Velcro straps, buckles, or elastic components that allow the band to be resized and reconfigured. This enables a single band design to accommodate various body sizes and fit different attachment locations (arm, torso, leg) properly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the band is made snug to keep pods secure, then device retention is improved, but user comfort may be reduced and skin irritation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the securing mechanism into multiple independent components: a primary adhesive layer for device attachment, a flexible band for structural support, and adjustable fastening elements for retention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without requiring excessive overall tightness, reducing skin irritation while maintaining device security.
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 bubble effectively prevents device dislodgment and exposure to water during sports and wet events, maintaining the device's position and functionality while allowing for easy access if required, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
waterproof adhesive layer that adheres to the skin
Implementation Method 2
provides at least a water-resistant, but often water-proof, seal relative to the skin of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble for use with various medical equipment or other sites on the body such as IV ports, feeding tube locations, PODs, CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) or other equipment connected to the body, whereby the bubble assists in protecting the site, and hopefully prevents medical equipment from being dislodged, if installed, to provide for strenuous activity or even application of water, such as bathing, showering, etc.