Wearable Pumping Chamber Assembly for Controlled Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics suffer from malfunctions, size, weight, and cost issues, and require complex designs for effective parenteral drug delivery, which can be cumbersome for patients.
Innovation Solution
A wearable fluid delivery system with a pumping chamber and force application assembly that restricts retrograde flow and pressurizes the chamber using a shape-memory actuator, allowing for controlled dispensing of therapeutic fluids through a tortuous conduit, with optional passive valves and sensors for flow measurement and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable device is designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then drug delivery effectiveness is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modules: a reusable force application assembly (motor, drive mechanism) and a disposable fluid reservoir cartridge. This segmentation allows the heavy motorized components to be used repeatedly while lighter disposable cartridges are replaced, reducing overall system weight for the patient while maintaining effective drug delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable fluid reservoir is nested within or coupled to the reusable force application assembly. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered and interfaces with the drive mechanism, creating a compact integrated unit that minimizes overall device size and weight while preserving therapeutic delivery effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a wearable device is designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then drug delivery effectiveness is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the expensive motorized force application assembly from the disposable fluid reservoir, the system allows capital investment in the reusable motorized portion to be amortized over many uses. The simpler disposable cartridges can be manufactured at lower cost, reducing overall system cost while maintaining effective controlled drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid reservoir is designed as a disposable component that is replaced when depleted. This allows the complex, expensive motorized assembly to remain in service indefinitely, while the simpler disposable reservoirs can be manufactured more economically, reducing the overall cost of the therapeutic delivery system.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex design is used for parenteral drug delivery, then delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the complex controlled force application mechanism (reusable) from the simple fluid containment and delivery interface (disposable). This segmentation concentrates the control complexity in the reusable motorized assembly while keeping the disposable portion simple, making the overall system easier to manufacture and maintain while preserving precise delivery control capability.
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 provides a reliable, compact, and cost-effective method for controlled release of therapeutics, ensuring consistent and accurate delivery of medications over time, enhancing patient convenience and reducing device malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
using a shape-memory actuator. Also optionally, using the shape-memory actuator includes inducing a phase change in a shape memory wire to transmit a force around a pulley to the force application assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing a therapeutic fluid from a line includes providing an inlet line connectable to an upstream fluid source. The inlet line is in downstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a pump outlet. The method also includes actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet. A corresponding system employs the method.