Wearable Infusion Pump Assembly With Volume Sensing and Disposable Set
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable infusion pump devices for therapeutic fluids are bulky, costly, and prone to malfunctions, and they often require frequent re-location and re-calibration, making them inefficient for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A wearable infusion pump assembly with a disposable and reusable housing system, incorporating a volume sensor and pump mechanism actuated by shape-memory actuators, which allows for precise fluid delivery and automatic adjustment based on user needs, using a detachable external infusion set and a remote control for programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing wearable infusion pump devices are used, then therapeutic fluids can be delivered to users, but the devices are bulky and have large size
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion pump system is divided into separate components: a reusable pump unit and disposable infusion sets containing the reservoir and delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows the pump unit to be compact while the disposable portion handles fluid storage and delivery, reducing overall device bulk without compromising reliability through proven disposable components
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir and infusion set are extracted as separate disposable components from the main pump unit. This extraction allows the pump to be smaller since it only needs to house the motor and control electronics, while the fluid storage function is handled by the external disposable cartridge that can be pre-filled and sterilized separately
2Reliability
If existing wearable infusion pump devices are used, then therapeutic fluids can be delivered, but the devices are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The infusion set and reservoir are designed as disposable single-use components that can be manufactured at low cost using simple materials and processes. The reusable pump unit contains expensive precision components but is durable and can be used repeatedly, amortizing the cost over many uses. This combination reduces overall system cost while maintaining delivery accuracy through the precision pump mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable infusion set is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization and maintenance infrastructure. The pump unit is recovered and reused, allowing the expensive precision components to pay for themselves through multiple uses. This strategy reduces per-use cost while maintaining high delivery reliability
3Ease of operation
If existing wearable infusion pump devices are used, then fluid delivery can be controlled, but frequent re-location and re-calibration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable infusion set includes pre-calibrated flow control elements and a reservoir designed for single use. After one use, the entire assembly is discarded, eliminating the need for re-calibration, cleaning, or maintenance of the fluid delivery path. This simplicity reduces operational complexity while ensuring consistent performance
4Volume of moving object
If wearable infusion pump devices are made smaller, then user comfort is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates precision components (motor, drive mechanism, electronics) into a compact reusable pump unit that can be manufactured with high precision using modern techniques. The disposable portion uses simpler, less precision-critical components that are easier to manufacture at scale. This segmentation allows small pump size without compromising overall manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical pump components requiring tight tolerances are replaced with a motor-driven piston or diaphragm system that can achieve precise fluid delivery with larger, more manufacturable parts. This substitution allows the pump unit to be compact while maintaining delivery precision through electronic control rather than mechanical tolerance
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 reduces the size and weight of infusion pumps, enhances reliability, and allows for automatic and precise delivery of therapeutic fluids over extended periods, improving user convenience and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
pump mechanism actuated by shape-memory actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set.