Segmented Adhesive Patch Layout for Wearable Pump Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, and there is a need for a wearable device that can automatically deliver drugs over time, especially for medications with poor absorption or requiring frequent administration.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for controlling medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission between wearable medical devices and a user interface, allowing for remote monitoring and control, along with an adhesive patch system for securing the device to the body, and a method for filling reservoirs with therapeutic fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable medical devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then automatic delivery capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable pump unit and disposable reservoir/cartridge assemblies. This segmentation allows the heavy battery and motor components to be reused while only lighter disposable components need replacement, effectively reducing the weight burden on users during each treatment cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir is nested within a protective cartridge housing that contains all necessary interface components. This nested structure consolidates multiple functions into a compact unit that attaches to the pump, reducing overall device complexity and weight while maintaining automated delivery capability.
2Extent of automation
If portable medical devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then automatic delivery capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the expensive reusable pump mechanism from the disposable reservoir units, the system allows manufacturers to optimize each component independently. The disposable units can be manufactured using simpler, lower-cost processes while the reusable pump is manufactured once with higher precision, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable reservoir and cartridge assemblies are designed as single-use components that can be manufactured at lower cost using simpler materials and processes. This eliminates the need for expensive sterilization and durability requirements, significantly reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining automated delivery functionality.
3Reliability
If adhesive patch system is used to secure device to body, then device attachment reliability is improved, but skin irritation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is divided into multiple small adhesive islands distributed across the patch surface rather than one large continuous adhesive area. This segmentation reduces the total adhesive contact area with any single skin region, minimizing irritation while maintaining secure attachment through distributed bonding points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patch have different adhesive properties: high-adhesion zones for secure attachment and low-adhesion or breathable zones for skin comfort. This localized variation in adhesive quality maintains reliability where needed while reducing irritation in sensitive areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.