Wearable Pump Repeater and Adhesive Patch for Reliable Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable medical devices for controlled release of therapeutics face challenges such as malfunction rates, size, weight, and cost, and require a wearable solution for patients to maintain consistent drug delivery schedules.
Innovation Solution
A repeater system for medical devices that includes circuitry for signal reception and transmission between wearable devices and a user interface, allowing for remote monitoring and control, along with an adhesive patch system for secure attachment of these devices to the body, and a method for filling reservoirs with therapeutic fluids using a fill station to prevent overfilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If portable medical devices are designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then drug delivery control is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The medical device is divided into separate functional modules: a reservoir for therapeutic agent, a pump mechanism for controlled delivery, a control circuit for automation, and a power source. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates miniaturization of individual parts, reducing overall device weight while maintaining controlled release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the pump mechanism is integrated within the reservoir housing, the control circuit is embedded in the device housing, and smaller components are positioned within available spaces of larger components. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall device footprint and weight.
2Measurement precision
If portable medical devices include electronic control systems, then delivery precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls pump actuation, monitors reservoir volume, tracks delivery timing, and provides user interface operations. By integrating these functions into a single microcontroller unit, the system achieves high delivery precision without proportionally increasing complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates sensors that automatically monitor reservoir volume and delivery parameters, eliminating the need for manual monitoring. The system self-regulates delivery timing and dosage based on sensor feedback, reducing the complexity of user operation while maintaining high precision.
3Volume of moving object
If wearable devices are made smaller, then patient comfort is improved, but reliability and malfunction resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs different material qualities and design approaches in different regions: the housing uses durable materials in high-stress areas, the adhesive patch uses skin-compatible materials for comfort, and critical electronic components are positioned in protected locations. This localized optimization maintains reliability while enabling miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates protective features such as shock-absorbing mounting for electronic components, sealed enclosures to prevent moisture ingress, and redundant critical functions that can tolerate minor failures. These preemptive measures protect against malfunctions that would be more critical in smaller devices.
4Strength
If adhesive patch systems use multiple adhesive members, then attachment security is improved, but skin irritation and comfort decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is divided into multiple discrete adhesive members arranged in a pattern around the device perimeter. This segmentation allows each adhesive member to be smaller and less aggressive, reducing individual contact area with skin while collectively providing strong attachment security through distributed bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different adhesive members are positioned in different locations on the patch, with varying adhesive strengths and compositions optimized for their specific positions. Areas with higher movement or sensitivity use gentler adhesives, while high-stress attachment points use stronger adhesives, balancing security and comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.