Shaped Elastomeric Infusion Pump Constant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable elastomeric infusion pumps experience variability in pressure and flow rate, are uncomfortable for patients, and often leave residual liquid due to their design and material limitations, making them unsuitable for long-term ambulatory drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
A portable infusion pump with an inflatable, compliant internal bladder surrounded by a non-compliant external housing that shapes the bladder as it fills and collapses as it empties, ensuring a constant flow rate and improved patient comfort through a specifically designed three-dimensional shape and material combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inflatable elastomeric bladder is used, then the device can deliver liquid under pressure, but the pressure and flow rate vary widely with volume and are unstable over the infusion period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the bladder by introducing a support member that maintains a specific geometry, and uses an elastic sleeve with controlled elasticity to regulate pressure. This transforms the bladder from a conventional flexible container into a structured pressure-regulating device that maintains stable flow rates throughout the infusion period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining an elastic sleeve material with a support member, creating a hybrid system that leverages the elasticity of the sleeve while the support member provides geometric stability. This composite approach enables consistent pressure and flow rate delivery without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional elastomeric bladder is used, then the device can be filled by hand with a syringe, but an inordinate amount of force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve acts as a flexible shell that expands smoothly when filled, distributing the filling force across its surface rather than requiring concentrated force at a single point. This flexible structure allows for easier manual filling compared to conventional rigid or tightly-walled bladders.
3Strength
If a hard case is used for the infusion pump, then the device provides structural protection, but it is uncomfortable for the patient to wear, particularly while sleeping
Solution Approach 1:
The external housing is constructed from a flexible material that can conform to the body contour, providing the necessary structural protection while maintaining patient comfort. The flexible nature of the housing allows it to adapt to different body shapes and positions, eliminating the discomfort associated with rigid hard cases during prolonged wear and sleep.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft case is used for the infusion pump, then the device is comfortable for the patient, but it expands spherically and becomes uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The external housing incorporates a shaped opening that creates a localized geometric feature, allowing the rest of the housing to conform to the body while providing a specific shape at the opening area. This local geometric modification maintains overall comfort while preventing the spherical expansion that causes discomfort.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional bladders are used, then the device can be constructed with simple materials, but they frequently have difficulty dispensing substantially all of the liquid by the end of the infusion period
Solution Approach 1:
The support member changes the internal geometry parameters of the bladder, creating a more efficient liquid dispensing profile. This geometric modification ensures that liquid flows more uniformly and completely from the bladder throughout the infusion period, reducing residual liquid while maintaining simple construction materials.
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 provides a stable and constant flow rate of liquid over time, ensuring efficient drug delivery and increased patient comfort by shaping the bladder to conform to the external housing, addressing the issues of variability and discomfort in existing pumps.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable, internal bladder constructed of a compliant, elastomeric material and an external housing surrounding the internal bladder. Thus, during operation, the external housing shapes the internal bladder as the internal bladder is being filled with a treatment fluid
Implementation Method 2
the external housing shapes the internal bladder as the internal bladder is being filled with a treatment fluid and collapses as the treatment fluid is emptied from the internal bladder
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a portable apparatus for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a substantially constant flow rate over a period of time. The apparatus includes an inflatable, internal bladder constructed of a compliant, elastomeric material and an external housing surrounding the internal bladder. Further, the external housing is constructed of a non-compliant, elastomeric material. Thus, during operation, the external housing shapes the internal bladder as the internal bladder is being filled with a treatment fluid and collapses as the treatment fluid is emptied from the internal bladder.