Wearable Patch Pump Modularity for Fluid-Tight Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable drug delivery devices face challenges in achieving a compact, easy-to-use, fluid-tight, and robust design while minimizing waste and manufacturing costs, particularly in semi-disposable patch pumps with auto-inserting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A modular concept for a semi-disposable patch pump with a reservoir unit for single use and a pump unit for multiple uses, featuring a bayonet coupling and a base frame with integrated electrical connectors, reducing components and handling steps, and incorporating a guiding member for the needle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a semi-disposable patch pump with auto-inserting mechanism is designed, then ease of use is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a reusable pump unit and a disposable reservoir unit, allowing the complex auto-inserting mechanism to be reused while the simple reservoir is discarded after single use
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir unit is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need to manufacture complex disposable components while maintaining ease of use
2Reliability
If multiple sealing components are added to ensure fluid-tight design, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are combined into integrated sealing structures within the reservoir unit and pump unit, ensuring fluid-tightness while reducing the number of separate sealing components
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, such as sealing and mechanical connection, thereby reducing the overall number of components needed
3Ease of operation
If a compact design is implemented to improve wearability, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular units (reservoir unit and pump unit) that can be manufactured separately with standard precision requirements and then assembled, avoiding the need for highly precise monolithic manufacturing
4Device complexity
If the reservoir is built into the housing, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is separated from the housing into a distinct disposable reservoir unit, allowing it to be manufactured independently using simpler processes and then assembled to the reusable pump unit
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed as a disposable component that can be manufactured using cost-effective, simple processes since it is discarded after single use, while the permanent housing uses more durable construction methods
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~4
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a modular concept for a semi-disposable patch pump to conduct a medical therapy, where a pump unit is releasably connected to a reservoir unit by means of a bayonet connection; and a housing design to support both reliability and ease of use of said connection.