Infusion Reservoir Push-On Connector for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion pump systems require complex and non-intuitive user actions for connecting and disconnecting reservoirs and line sets, leading to issues like insulin leakage, difficulty with O-ring replacement, and compatibility problems with different pump configurations, which can affect dosing precision and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir and push-on connector assembly that allows for a simple straight-line motion to secure and release the reservoir within infusion pumps, eliminating the need for rotational orientation and reducing the risk of insulin leakage, with integral engagement features and a hydrophobic membrane for air ingress and egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate threaded sleeve is used to secure the reservoir, then the connection can be tightened with torque, but the user must perform complex rotational operations and the sleeve can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the engagement features directly into the reservoir structure, eliminating the separate threaded sleeve. The reservoir includes a flange with engagement features that directly interface with the pump housing, combining what were previously separate components (reservoir and securing mechanism) into a single integrated unit. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure connection through integrated features while eliminating the complex rotational operations and loss risk associated with separate threaded sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate threaded sleeve component from the system entirely. By extracting this unnecessary intermediate component and integrating its securing function directly into the reservoir structure, the design eliminates the complexity of rotational operations and the risk of sleeve loss while maintaining reliable connection security through the integrated engagement features.
2Reliability
If O-rings are used for sealing, then sealing capability is provided, but substantial compression forces are required and O-rings need periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sealing feature integral to the disposable reservoir rather than a separate reusable component like an O-ring. The sealing surface is molded directly into the reservoir flange, eliminating the need for separate O-rings that require periodic replacement. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable sealing through the integrated disposable reservoir while eliminating the complexity and maintenance burden of separate sealing components.
3Reliability
If a threaded sleeve is used for connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but no audible or visible feedback is provided during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback features including alignment marks and color-coded indicators on the reservoir flange that show when proper engagement has occurred. These feedback mechanisms provide real-time visual confirmation to the user that the reservoir is correctly positioned and securely attached, eliminating the uncertainty associated with threaded connections that lack feedback. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure attachment while providing clear visual feedback for engagement status detection.
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
Enhances user safety and ease of use by simplifying the connection process, reducing the risk of insulin leakage, and ensuring compatibility with various infusion pump configurations, while maintaining precise dosing and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic membrane for air ingress and egress
Data Source
AI summary
A reservoir and straight-line, push-on connector assembly is provided for connecting the reservoir and one of a standard Luer line set and a custom Luer line set to any number of infusion pump configurations using a simple straight-line, push-on motion, wherein the push-on connector assembly is provided and configured to secure the line set and reservoir with the infusion pump. One simple straight-line, push-on motion, preferably performed by gripping an expander sleeve, places and secures the reservoir (i.e., locates the reservoir on the x, y, and z axes) in the pump reservoir cavity, and one simple straight-line, pull-off motion releases and removes the reservoir from the pump reservoir cavity. Rotational orientation is not required for connection, pump engagement, or pump function, and any pulling of the tube set will not release the reservoir as the expansion sleeve through which the tube set is routed is not moved from the securing position by tension on the tube set or Luer fitting.