Wearable IV Pump With Reusable Base and Disposable Cassette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous (IV) delivery systems restrict patient mobility, are costly, and lack flexibility in operation, particularly when using conventional IV bags and pumps that are not wearable or easily adaptable to different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A wearable IV pump design with a reusable base unit and disposable components, including interchangeable pump cylinders and valves, allowing for accurate flow control and compatibility with conventional IV bags, while minimizing waste and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a peristaltic or piston driven IV pump is used to deliver IV solution, then the flow rate can be controlled accurately, but the pump cannot be worn on the patient body due to weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a reusable base unit containing the drive mechanism and a disposable cassette containing the pump chambers and valves. This segmentation allows the heavy drive mechanism to be separated from the lightweight disposable portion that contacts the patient, enabling wearable application while maintaining accurate flow control through the reusable drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump chambers and valves are implemented as a disposable cassette that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive sterilization and maintenance of the entire pump system. This allows the use of simpler, lighter materials in the disposable portion while keeping the expensive drive mechanism reusable.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional IV bags are suspended from a pole to create gravity pressure, then the IV solution can be delivered, but the patient's freedom of movement is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-based mechanical delivery system (IV bag suspended on a pole) is replaced with an active pump-driven system. The pump uses a drive mechanism to reciprocate plungers, creating positive pressure to deliver the IV solution regardless of orientation or patient position, thereby freeing the patient from mobility restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The static gravity-dependent delivery system is replaced with a dynamic pump system that can actively adjust and maintain flow rates. The pump can operate in any orientation and can be worn on the patient's body, adapting to the patient's movement rather than restricting it.
3Measurement precision
If a disposable single-use cassette with syringe-type pump is used, then flow control is improved, but the cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable and disposable portions. The expensive drive mechanism, valve actuators, and control electronics are contained in a reusable base unit, while only the pump chambers and valves are disposed of after use. This reduces waste and cost compared to completely disposable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable base unit can be recovered and reused for multiple patients after appropriate cleaning and sterilization procedures, while only the single-use cassette is discarded. This recovering approach reduces overall waste and cost compared to single-use entire pump systems.
4Reliability
If pump components that contact infusion liquid are made replaceable as a single disposable unit, then sterilization requirements are simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a reusable base unit and a disposable cassette that contains all components contacting the infusion liquid (pump chambers and valves). This clear segmentation simplifies sterilization protocols since the disposable portion is pre-sterilized and discarded, while the base unit can be sterilized using standard medical equipment sterilization procedures.
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
Enables patient mobility by providing a cost-effective, wearable, and easily operable IV delivery system that accurately controls fluid flow regardless of orientation, reducing the need for nursery care and promoting patient health through increased mobility.
Implementation Method 1
Delivery of an IV solution may be supported by a peristaltic or piston driven IV pump
Implementation Method 2
a pump valve alternately closing off and opening passage for the liquid between the pump chambers and the delivery conduit
Implementation Method 3
a bubble detector arranged for detecting presence of air in liquid being delivered from the pump chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Infusion delivery pump with a supply conduit communicating with a pump chamber via a pump valve, while a delivery conduit is shut off from the pump chamber, during infusion intake. The delivery conduit communicates with the pump chamber, while the supply conduit is shut off from the pump chamber, during infusion delivery. A pump valve actuator and a pump drive are controlled by a control unit. A plunger drive, the pump valve actuator and the control unit are part of a base unit. A pump housing, a plunger, the supply conduit, the delivery conduit and a pump valve are part of a disposable unit removably attached to the base unit. The coupling of the pump valve to the pump valve actuator and the coupling of the plunger to the plunger drive are releasable.