Removable Cannula Infusion Set for Lightweight Wearable Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable infusion devices for therapeutic delivery suffer from malfunctions, size, weight, and cost issues, and often require frequent relocation, posing challenges for patients.
Innovation Solution
A disposable infusion device system with a removable top portion and cannula, connected via a tubing system to a reservoir, which can be attached to a reusable housing assembly, including features like autoinserters and volume sensors for controlled fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a wearable infusion device is designed to be portable and electronically controlled, then therapeutic delivery is automated, but the device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion device is divided into two separate components: a reusable electronic pump unit and a disposable infusion set containing the reservoir and cannula. This segmentation allows the heavy electronic components to be used repeatedly while the disposable portion can be easily replaced, reducing the overall weight burden on the patient and lowering long-term costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion set with reservoir and cannula is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for sterilization and maintenance of the disposable portion, reduces infection risks, and allows the expensive reusable pump to be used continuously without contamination concerns, thereby reducing overall system cost.
2Weight of moving object
If the infusion device is made smaller and lighter, then patient comfort improves, but manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the device into reusable and disposable portions, each component can be optimized independently. The disposable infusion set can be manufactured with precise dimensions using automated injection molding, while the reusable pump can be built with robust precision components. This segmentation reduces the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to building a single integrated small device.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface mechanism serves as an intermediary between the reusable pump and disposable infusion set. This interface includes alignment features, locking mechanisms, and fluid connection ports that ensure precise assembly without requiring complex manufacturing tolerances in either component, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the infusion device requires frequent relocation, then application flexibility improves, but the risk of malfunction and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable infusion set allows the device to be relocated by simply replacing the entire infusion set rather than repositioning or sterilizing components. Each new disposable set is sterile and pre-assembled, eliminating infection risks associated with repeated handling and sterilization, while maintaining full relocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable infusion set is pre-assembled and pre-sterilized before use, with all connections and components prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly or sterilization during relocation, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing malfunction risks while preserving adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If a needle is used for skin puncture, then therapeutic delivery is achieved, but patient discomfort and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed as a flexible, thin-walled tube that can be inserted through the skin with minimal trauma. The flexible material allows the cannula to conform to tissue movements, reducing discomfort and the risk of dislodgement or infection compared to rigid needles. The thin film construction minimizes tissue damage while maintaining structural integrity for fluid delivery.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An infusion device. The infusion device includes a top portion comprising an introduction needle, and a bottom portion comprising a cannula, the top portion removably attached to the bottom portion, wherein the introduction needle is used to insert the cannula, and wherein after insertion, the top portion is removed from the bottom portion.