Wearable Pump Adhesive Patch Layout for Secure Low-Irritation Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, and there is a need for a wearable device that can automatically deliver drugs over time while maintaining patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission between wearable medical devices and a user interface, allowing for remote monitoring and control, along with an adhesive patch system for secure attachment of the device to the body, and a method for filling reservoirs to prevent overfilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If portable medical devices are made smaller and lighter, then patient comfort and wearability are improved, but device functionality and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The medical device is divided into multiple components: a wearable portion (pump, reservoir, controller) that can be made small and light, and a separate external controller that handles complex functions. This segmentation allows the wearable portion to be lightweight while maintaining overall system reliability through the external controller.
Solution Approach 2:
A repeater system acts as an intermediary between the wearable medical device and the external controller. The repeater receives signals from the wearable device over a given range and transmits them over a longer range to the external controller, enabling reliable communication without requiring the wearable device itself to be complex or heavy.
2Extent of automation
If electronic control systems are added to portable devices, then automated drug delivery is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater serves as an intermediary that handles complex communication and control functions externally. The wearable device only needs basic automation for drug delivery, while the repeater and external controller manage the complexity of monitoring, alarm conditions, and user interface functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater is designed to work with multiple different wearable medical devices, providing universal control and monitoring capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the complexity of individual devices since they can rely on the repeater's general-purpose control system.
3Reliability
If adhesive members are added to secure the device, then device attachment reliability is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into multiple members distributed across the patch rather than one large adhesive area. This segmentation provides secure attachment through multiple points while reducing the total adhesive contact area with the skin, thereby minimizing irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different adhesive members are positioned at specific locations where they provide optimal attachment without covering sensitive skin areas. The adhesive members are strategically placed to secure the device while leaving gaps that allow skin breathing and reduce irritation.
4Length of stationary object
If communication range is extended beyond given range, then remote monitoring capability is improved, but signal interference and loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater acts as an intermediary communication device that receives signals from the wearable medical device over a given range and retransmits them over a longer range to the external controller. This two-stage communication approach extends the effective range while maintaining signal reliability through the repeater's signal regeneration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.