Wearable Pump Occlusion Management with Emergency Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable medicament delivery devices are unable to detect or manage occlusions effectively, leading to improper dosages and premature device failure due to back pressure, occlusions, or blockages.
Innovation Solution
An occlusion management system that detects fluid delivery impediments and activates emergency elements, such as SMA wires or motors, to provide additional power to overcome occlusions only when necessary, ensuring proper medicament delivery and alerting users of unresolved occlusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pump operates continuously to deliver medicament, then the dosage delivery function is maintained, but occlusions cause improper dosages and device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary occlusion detection by monitoring pump operation parameters (current, voltage, motor speed) before complete occlusion occurs. The control circuitry detects anomalies in pump performance that indicate developing occlusions and activates emergency elements proactively to prevent dosage delivery failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of occlusion-induced back pressure into a useful detection signal. By monitoring changes in pump current, voltage, and motor speed that occur during occlusion, the system identifies occlusion events and triggers emergency elements to clear them, transforming a potentially harmful condition into an actionable alert that maintains reliable dosing.
2Reliability
If additional power is provided to overcome occlusions, then medicament delivery is maintained, but energy is wasted when occlusions are not present
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring of pump operation parameters to detect occlusions only when needed. The control circuitry continuously or periodically measures current, voltage, and motor speed, and only activates emergency elements when occlusion is detected, rather than maintaining constant additional power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time occlusion detection. The emergency elements (additional motors or SMA wires) are engaged only when occlusion conditions are detected through parameter monitoring, and disengaged when normal operation is restored, optimizing energy usage while maintaining delivery reliability.
3Reliability
If occlusion detection capability is added to the device, then proper dosage can be ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pump's own operational parameters (current, voltage, motor speed) as detection signals. The control circuitry monitors these inherent parameters that already exist during normal pump operation, eliminating the need for separate sensors or detection hardware. The pump essentially detects its own occlusion conditions through its operational characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry performs multiple functions: it controls normal pump operation, monitors for occlusions using the same operational parameters, and triggers emergency elements when needed. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using existing components for multiple purposes rather than adding dedicated detection hardware.
4Reliability
If emergency elements are activated to overcome occlusions, then device functionality is maintained, but the system requires more complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency mechanism is segmented into discrete, simple elements (additional motors or SMA wires) that can be independently activated. Rather than a complex integrated system, the emergency elements are separate components that provide focused assistance only when occlusion is detected, simplifying the overall emergency response mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the main pump motor and emergency elements. It monitors pump parameters, detects occlusion conditions, and triggers the appropriate emergency element activation, providing a simple mediation layer that maintains functionality without requiring complex direct integration between components.
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 system effectively detects and manages occlusions, ensuring continuous and proper medicament delivery while minimizing energy wastage by providing extra power only when needed, thus maintaining device functionality and patient health.
Implementation Method 1
activates emergency elements, such as SMA wires or motors, to provide additional power to overcome occlusions
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid delivery devices with occlusion management are described. For example, a fluid delivery system may include at least one force element, at least one moveable element configured to be moved in a dispensing direction by the at least one force element during a pump cycle to expel a fluid from the fluid delivery system, and an occlusion management system comprising at least one emergency element operably coupled to the at least one moveable element, the occlusion management system comprising logic operative to activate the at least one emergency element responsive to a determination of an occlusion to provide additional force to move the at least one moveable element in the dispensing direction. Other embodiments are described.