SMA Wire Pump Control for Precise Wearable Infusion Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pump systems for delivering therapeutics are prone to malfunction, are bulky, costly, and often require frequent re-location on the skin, making them inefficient and inconvenient for patients.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump assembly utilizing a shape-memory alloy wire actuation system, which includes a controller to determine the actuation time based on the target volume and temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, ensuring precise and controlled fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional infusion pump systems are used, then fluid delivery can be achieved, but the devices are bulky, costly, and require frequent re-location on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump components with a shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire-based actuation system. The SMA wire undergoes phase transformation from austenite to martensite when heated, generating mechanical force to drive the pump plunger without complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing device size and complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as a control parameter to trigger the phase transformation of the shape-memory alloy wire. By controlling the temperature of the SMA wire through electrical heating, the system achieves precise control over pump actuation timing and fluid delivery volume, replacing complex mechanical timing mechanisms
2Device complexity
If shape-memory alloy wire is used for actuation, then device size and cost are reduced, but temperature control becomes critical for precise actuation timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusts the heating power accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise temperature control during the phase transformation process, enabling accurate control of actuation timing and fluid delivery volume despite variations in environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of shape-memory alloy wires, which undergo reversible transformation between austenite and martensite phases at specific temperatures. By controlling the temperature through electrical heating and utilizing this phase transition, the system achieves precise actuation timing without complex mechanical timing devices
3Reliability
If traditional pump mechanisms are used, then robust fluid delivery is achieved, but malfunction rate increases and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump mechanisms with an electromechanical system using shape-memory alloy wires. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, moving parts, and assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and potential failure points while maintaining robust fluid delivery through the phase transformation-driven actuation mechanism
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 system provides a more reliable, compact, and cost-effective solution for controlled fluid delivery, reducing the need for frequent re-location and enhancing patient convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A wearable infusion pump assembly utilizing a shape-memory alloy wire actuation system
Implementation Method 2
determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.