Split Ring Resonator Antenna for Wearable Infusion Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable drug delivery devices for therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction, size, weight, and cost issues, and often require frequent re-location for application, particularly in parenteral routes like subcutaneous or intravenous administration, which can be cumbersome for patients.

Innovation Solution

The infusion pump assembly incorporates a split ring resonator antenna with an impedance matching circuit, coupled to a control unit and base unit for wireless data transmission and reception, minimizing parasitic effects from dielectric materials, and includes a disposable and reusable housing assembly for efficient fluid delivery and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a wearable drug delivery device is designed to be compact and portable, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the reliability and functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddevice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components including a reusable pump unit and disposable cartridges, allowing each component to be optimized independently for size and reliability while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable cartridge is designed to nest within the reusable pump unit, with the cartridge containing the reservoir, pump drive, and other components in a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall device volume while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If electronic control components are added to enable automated drug delivery, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates automated control systems with sensors and processors that monitor fluid levels, pump operation, and delivery timing, enabling the device to self-regulate and reduce the need for manual intervention while maintaining manageable complexity through intelligent automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical control mechanisms are replaced with electronic sensors, microprocessors, and wireless communication modules that provide more precise and reliable control with fewer moving parts, reducing mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the antenna operates in close proximity to dielectric materials like the human body, then the usability and comfort are improved, but the radio frequency performance deteriorates due to parasitic effects

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidradio frequency performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A matching network is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna and the transmission line, acting as a buffer that compensates for the parasitic effects of dielectric materials and maintains optimal impedance matching for reliable RF performance during body contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna design incorporates adjustable electrical parameters such as resonant frequency and impedance that can be optimized through simulation and testing to minimize the impact of dielectric loading from the human body, maintaining reliable RF performance across different usage conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables reliable, efficient, and minimally invasive wireless control of drug delivery systems, reducing malfunctions and improving user convenience by minimizing the impact of dielectric materials on radio frequency performance, thus enhancing the reliability and usability of wearable drug delivery devices.

Implementation Method 1

a split ring resonator antenna having a resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the antenna wirelessly transmits and receives data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

an impedance matching circuit... minimizing the parasitic effects of dielectric materials in close proximity to a wearable radio frequency device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2381978B1Split ring resonator antenna adapted for use in wirelessly controlled medical device
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 DEKA PRODUCTS LP
  • EP2381978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2381978B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2381978B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, a pump assembly for pumping a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir to an exit, a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the exit from the pumping assembly, and a split ring resonator antenna having a resonant frequency comprising a plurality of planar metallic layers.