Segmented Adhesive Patch for Stable Wearable Pump Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics are prone to malfunction and face challenges in reducing size, weight, and cost, while patients require reliable and user-friendly systems for administering medications like insulin through parenteral routes.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission, a user interface for remote monitoring, and an adhesive patch system for secure attachment, enabling efficient control and data logging, fault detection, and alarm notifications, along with a method for filling reservoirs and a base station for infusion devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable medical devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then drug delivery capability is improved, but malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reservoir for drug storage, a pump mechanism for controlled delivery, and an electronic control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and replacement, thereby improving reliability while maintaining drug delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control system is introduced between the power source and the pump mechanism, allowing for precise regulation of drug delivery. This intermediary layer enables monitoring and adjustment of delivery parameters, reducing malfunction rates while maintaining effective drug delivery.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for portability, then wearability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested within each other to minimize overall device volume. The pump mechanism is integrated into the reservoir structure, and electronic components are embedded within the housing layers. This nesting approach reduces device size while managing manufacturing complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible membranes and thin-film structures are used for the reservoir walls and sealing layers, allowing the device to maintain a compact form factor while accommodating fluid storage and delivery functions. This reduces overall device volume without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive members are used for secure attachment, then device stability is improved, but skin irritation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into multiple discrete adhesive members distributed across the device interface rather than a single large adhesive area. This segmentation reduces the total adhesive contact with any one skin region, minimizing irritation while maintaining overall device stability through distributed attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch is designed as a disposable component that is replaced periodically. This allows the use of adhesive materials that provide maximum initial stability without concern for long-term skin irritation, as the adhesive is removed and replaced rather than left in continuous contact with the skin.
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.