Pump Clip With Biasing Lock Prevents Infusion Device Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable fluid infusion devices, such as insulin pumps, are susceptible to accidental displacement, which can cause damage and affect the delivery of medication, leading to reduced efficacy of infusion therapy.

Innovation Solution

A pump clip designed to securely couple the fluid infusion device to the user, featuring a clip base with a biasing member and a lock button, allowing for secure attachment to clothing or objects, and capable of withstanding torques and forces without damaging the device or infusion set.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pump clip is secured to the user's clothing to enable easy access and secure positioning, then the device can be conveniently carried, but the fluid infusion device becomes susceptible to accidental displacement from bumping or snagging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidresistance to accidental displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump clip incorporates a movable disengagement mechanism where the clip can transition between a locked engaged state and a released state. The biasing member continuously applies force to maintain engagement, but a actuating force can overcome this biasing to deliberately disengage. This dynamic design allows the clip to remain securely attached during normal activity while enabling intentional removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the pump clip is made secure to withstand forces, then accidental displacement is prevented, but the device complexity increases with additional components like biasing members and lock mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to accidental displacementVSAvoidclip structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump clip integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the clip body provides mechanical attachment, the biasing member provides continuous engagement force, and the actuating mechanism provides controlled disengagement. These elements work together as a single integrated assembly rather than separate components, achieving secure attachment with deliberate release capability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the pump clip uses a biasing member to maintain engagement, then the device remains securely attached, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member is configured to automatically maintain engagement between the pump clip and the fluid infusion device without requiring active control or additional power sources. The spring-loaded or elastomeric biasing element continuously applies force to keep the clip engaged, and the geometry of the coupling surfaces ensures that normal use forces naturally maintain the engaged state, with disengagement requiring a deliberate actuating motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 pump clip effectively prevents accidental displacement of the fluid infusion device, ensuring continuous and reliable medication delivery while withstanding external forces and maintaining comfort and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the clip base includes a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first spring configured to apply a first spring force having a first spring torque about the first pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3509457B1Pump clip for a fluid infusion device
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • EP3509457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3509457B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3509457B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A pump clip for a fluid infusion device is provided. The pump clip includes a clip base having a first end opposite a second end. The clip base defines an aperture through the clip base between the first end and the second end. The clip base is pivotable between a first position and a second position along a first pivot axis. The pump clip includes a clip pivot base coupled to the clip base along the first pivot axis. At least a portion of the clip pivot base is received within the aperture in the first position. The pump clip includes a clip coupled to the clip pivot base along a second pivot axis and the clip cooperates with the clip pivot base to receive an article.