Therapeutic Fluid Pumping Chamber With Retrograde Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, as well as the need for frequent administration due to pharmacokinetic factors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dispensing therapeutic fluids using a force application assembly that restricts retrograde flow and pressurizes a pumping chamber, allowing for automatic and controlled delivery over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with electronic control and reservoir systems, then delivery precision and automation are improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a mechanically actuated force application assembly. A simple actuator mechanically drives a plunger through the reservoir, eliminating the need for electronic pumps, motors, and control circuits. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces device weight while maintaining automated delivery capability through basic mechanical actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary electronic components, power sources, and control systems from the device. By removing these heavy electronic subsystems and retaining only the essential mechanical elements (reservoir, plunger, force application assembly), the device achieves automation with minimal weight.
2Measurement precision
If portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics are designed with electronic control systems, then delivery precision is improved, but malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical force application assembly. The mechanical plunger-driven system has fewer failure points compared to electronic pumps and control circuits. The simplicity of mechanical components (plunger, reservoir, outlet) eliminates issues related to electronic malfunctions, battery failure, and complex circuitry, thereby improving reliability while maintaining delivery precision through controlled mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical force application assembly operates autonomously through direct mechanical actuation. The plunger is driven by a simple force application mechanism that requires no external power source or electronic control, making the system inherently more reliable and less prone to malfunction while maintaining precise delivery through mechanical control.
3Productivity
If therapeutic compounds are administered frequently to maintain desired schedule, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but patient compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to deliver therapeutics at periodic intervals through controlled mechanical actuation of the force application assembly. The system can be programmed or mechanically set to deliver doses at predetermined time intervals, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the need for frequent patient intervention. The mechanical timing mechanism enables automated periodic delivery that improves compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the delivery parameters from frequent manual administration to extended automated delivery intervals. By using a mechanically actuated system with controlled force application and flow restriction, the device can maintain therapeutic levels over longer periods between administrations, reducing the frequency burden on patients while preserving therapeutic effectiveness.
4Stress or pressure
If force application assembly travels greater distance, then pumping chamber pressurization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force application assembly utilizes asymmetric mechanical advantage through a lever arm or cam mechanism. A relatively small travel distance of the actuator is converted into a larger effective plunger displacement and higher pressure through asymmetric mechanical geometry. This allows adequate pressurization without requiring the actuator to travel a long distance, thereby maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs curved or cam-shaped mechanical elements in the force application assembly that convert small linear actuator travel into larger effective plunger motion and higher pressure. The curved geometry provides mechanical multiplication, achieving adequate pumping chamber pressurization with minimal actuator travel distance, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
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 enables reliable, efficient, and automatic delivery of therapeutic fluids, reducing the need for frequent administration and improving patient compliance, while also addressing the challenges of size, weight, and cost.
Implementation Method 1
actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet
Implementation Method 2
actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet
Implementation Method 3
inducing a phase change in a shape memory wire to transmit a force around a pulley to the force application assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing a therapeutic fluid from a line includes providing an inlet line connectable to an upstream fluid source. The inlet line is in downstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a pump outlet. The method also includes actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet. A corresponding system employs the method.