Unilateral Patch Drug Infusion Drive With Alternating Wheel-Tooth Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug infusion devices suffer from insufficient driving force, leading to delayed drug infusion and potential infusion of air into the subcutaneous tissue, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A unilateral-driven patch-type drug infusion device with a power unit and reset unit, utilizing a driving unit with two driving portions that alternately push wheel teeth, providing controllable and stable driving force, and an infusion tube structure with an intermediate position to exhaust air, preventing air infusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional drug infusion device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the driving force is insufficient causing delayed drug infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism is segmented into multiple components: power unit, reset unit, driving unit with two driving portions, and driving wheel with wheel teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, collectively providing sufficient driving force while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving unit performs periodic reciprocating motion, alternating between forward movement (pushing wheel teeth to drive infusion) and reset movement (returning to initial position). This periodic action enables continuous drug infusion with adequate driving force through rhythmic mechanical engagement.
2Productivity
If the infusion device operates continuously, then drug infusion efficiency is improved, but air may be infused into subcutaneous tissue causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion needle is pre-filled with drug solution before insertion into subcutaneous tissue. The intermediate position allows the needle to be advanced partially, filling it with medication, and only then is the final insertion completed. This preliminary action ensures no air enters the tissue during infusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate position acts as an intermediary state between retracted and fully inserted positions. At this intermediate position, the infusion needle is partially extended, allowing drug filling while preventing complete insertion that would cause air infusion. This intermediary position serves as a safety checkpoint.
3Speed
If the driving wheel rotates continuously to push drug forward, then infusion speed is improved, but drug blockage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The driving wheel rotates periodically rather than continuously, engaging with wheel teeth in rhythmic pulses. This periodic rotation creates controlled intermittent flow that prevents drug blockage by allowing brief pauses between propulsion cycles, maintaining both infusion speed and flow continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism transitions from static to dynamic operation, with the driving unit moving between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt infusion speed while preventing blockage through controlled motion variations, optimizing both speed and reliability.
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 stable and efficient drug infusion with reduced risk of air entering the subcutaneous tissue, improving user safety and experience by providing sufficient driving force and preventing air infusion.
Implementation Method 1
the linear actuator includes a shape memory alloy
Implementation Method 2
a screw connected to a piston and a driving wheel provided with wheel teeth, respectively, the driving wheel drives the screw to move by rotation, thereby pushing the piston
Implementation Method 3
the second outlet is sealed by an elastic seal
Implementation Method 4
the reset unit at least includes a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A unilateral-driven patch-type drug infusion device, includes: an infusion unit, which includes a drug storage unit; a screw connected to a piston and a driving wheel provided with wheel teeth, respectively, the driving wheel drives the screw to move by rotation, pushing the piston forward; at least one driving unit cooperating with the driving wheel, the driving unit includes at least one driving portion; a power unit and a reset unit coupled to the driving unit, and an infusion tube structure, which includes a base and an infusion needle, and the base includes an initial position, a working position, and an intermediate position. This infusion device can output controllable and stable driving force, which eliminates safety hazards and improves user experience.