Supercapacitor Buffer for Insulin Pump Power Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulin pumps face power supply interruptions due to mechanical forces and battery disconnection, leading to potential safety issues and the need for frequent resetting, with existing power management systems restricting functionality and requiring user intervention for battery replacement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a high-capacity supercapacitor in parallel with the primary battery to buffer power supply interruptions and provide an emergency reserve, allowing seamless battery replacement and reducing the risk of uncontrolled voltage fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary battery is used to power the insulin pump, then the device can operate continuously, but power supply interruptions occur due to mechanical forces causing battery disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitor is integrated into the power supply circuit to store electrical energy in advance. When the primary battery experiences voltage interruptions due to mechanical disconnection, the capacitor releases stored energy to maintain continuous power supply to the insulin pump, preventing therapy interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the primary battery and the insulin pump circuitry. It buffers voltage fluctuations and provides intermediate power during battery reconnection transients, ensuring stable operation of the pump.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the battery is replaced to extend operation, then the power supply duration is increased, but the insulin pump must be reset which interrupts therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor is pre-charged during normal operation to create an energy reserve. When the battery is removed for replacement, this pre-stored energy in the capacitor maintains power to the pump's microprocessor and control circuitry, allowing the battery swap to occur without resetting the device or interrupting insulin delivery.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power management systems are implemented to handle battery exhaustion, then energy usage is optimized, but functionality is restricted and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor automatically provides power support during battery replacement without requiring user intervention or system resetting. The circuit self-regulates to maintain therapy continuity, eliminating the need for users to manually reset the pump or switch between restricted and normal operating modes.
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
Ensures uninterrupted insulin delivery, enhances user safety and convenience by providing a reliable emergency power reserve and reducing the need for frequent resets, while allowing easy handling and operation of the insulin pump.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage dips only briefly and the microprocessor 2.3 is supplied with voltage via the capacitor 2.2 during these brief interruptions
Implementation Method 2
a battery, which is connected via the battery contacts
Data Source
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AI summary
One object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for metered supply of a liquid medicament having a power supply which not only allows the primary battery to be replaced without interrupting the insulin supply, but also makes it possible to bridge uncontrolled short-term interruptions in the current supply or voltage supply resulting from bouncing of the battery contacts, while also providing an adequate emergency power reserve.