Resilient Valve Fluid Transfer Device for Ambulatory Infusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid transfer devices and pumps for small volume applications are complex, leading to reliability issues and high power consumption, and suffer from ullage problems that complicate gas bubble handling.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pump and valve system with a resilient structure, a magnetic piston, and an electromagnet with a core and coil configuration, featuring a bypass channel and valve to reduce complexity, power consumption, and ullage, while improving sealing and bubble handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electromagnet pumps are used, then fluid transfer function is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidpump component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve structure that works with the pump chamber. The valve assembly includes inlet and outlet valves integrated into the pump housing, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid transfer functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pumping chamber and the housing for the inlet and outlet valves. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable operation through integrated valve-pump functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional electromagnet pumps are used, then fluid transfer is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfluid transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient valve members automatically open and close based on pressure differentials created during pump operation, without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms. This self-regulating valve system reduces power consumption while maintaining effective fluid transfer, as the valves respond passively to the pumping action itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical valve actuation systems with a simpler resilient membrane mechanism that uses elastic deformation and pressure differentials to control valve opening and closing. This mechanical simplification reduces the energy required to operate the pump while maintaining fluid transfer productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional pump designs are used, then pumping capability is achieved, but ullage increases and gas bubble handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas bubble handlingVSAvoidullage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump chamber is segmented into functional zones with the resilient valve members creating controlled flow paths. The valve structure divides the chamber to minimize dead volume and ensure that gas bubbles are pushed toward the outlet rather than becoming trapped in large ullage spaces, improving gas handling reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient membrane valves create dynamic sealing surfaces that adapt to pressure changes and minimize trapped gas volumes. The flexible nature of these membranes allows them to conform to the chamber geometry, reducing dead space and improving the ability to handle gas bubbles during pump operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of fluid transfer by reducing power consumption, simplifying assembly, and improving bubble handling and sealing, resulting in a more effective and efficient fluid transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient structure mounted in tension on the valve base. The resilient structure has a valve member movable between a closed state where the valve member engages the seal surface and an open state where at least a portion of the valve member is spaced apart from the seal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet with a core and coil configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

The piston, which has at least a portion that is magnetic and is located within the internal volume defined by the case, is movable relative to the core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8292601B2Fluid transfer devices with resilient valve structures and ambulatory infusion devices including same

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

Fluid transfer devices for use in, for example, ambulatory infusion devices and infusions devices including fluid transfer devices.