Pulsed Power DC-DC Converter for Medical Pump Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable insulin infusion pumps are bulky, heavy, and require frequent battery replacement due to high energy consumption, which interferes with daily activities and is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a miniature, low-cost, portable dispensing unit that incorporates a small-sized battery and a DC-DC step-up converter, utilizing pulsed power and adjustable pulse trains to supply energy efficiently to a stepper motor, considering motor rotational velocity and inertia to minimize energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large batteries (AA or AAA-type) are used to supply high energy demand, then the device can provide sufficient power for motor, screen, alarms and other components, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a small battery combined with a DC-DC step-up converter that delivers power in pulsed sequences. The converter accumulates energy from the small battery and releases it in controlled pulses to the motor, allowing the use of a much lighter battery while still providing sufficient peak power for motor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using a DC-DC step-up converter that transforms the low voltage output of a small battery into the higher voltage required by the motor. This parameter transformation allows a small battery to effectively power components that would otherwise require large batteries.
2Power
If multiple batteries are used to maintain voltage for low voltage controllers and motors, then sufficient voltage (3 Volts) can be supplied, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DC-DC step-up converter acts as an intermediary between the small battery and the motor/controller. It transforms the electrical characteristics to match the requirements of the load, allowing a single small battery to replace multiple larger batteries while maintaining voltage stability for low voltage components.
3Reliability
If conventional continuous power supply is used for the motor, then the motor operates smoothly, but energy consumption increases requiring frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous power supply with periodic pulsed power delivery. The DC-DC step-up converter supplies power to the motor in controlled pulses rather than continuously, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable motor operation through precise pulse timing and duration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the power supply dynamic by adjusting pulse width, frequency, and amplitude based on motor requirements. The DC-DC converter dynamically adapts the power delivery to match the motor's instantaneous needs, providing sufficient power during acceleration and load changes while minimizing power during steady-state operation.
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 device provides precise fluid delivery with reduced energy consumption, allowing extended use without frequent battery replacement and minimal interference with daily activities.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates a small-sized battery and a DC-DC step-up converter, utilizing pulsed power
Implementation Method 2
supply energy efficiently to a stepper motor
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
Devices and methods for powering a medical device for sustained delivery of fluids or continuous monitoring of body analyte. The devices may comprise a pumping mechanism, a driving mechanism for activating the pumping mechanism to dispense fluid, and a power source coupled to the driving mechanism and having an energy storage cell for providing a pulsed power to the driving mechanism. The methods may be implemented by activating the driving mechanism using pulsed energy in the form of at least one pulse train pattern accumulated in and discharged from an energy storage component.