Wearable Pumping Chamber Assembly for Controlled Therapeutic Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices for controlled release of therapeutics suffer from malfunctions, size, weight, and cost issues, and require complex designs for administering medications like insulin, which are not orally active due to absorption issues or require frequent administration.
Innovation Solution
A wearable fluid delivery system with a pumping chamber and force application assembly that restricts retrograde flow, using shape-memory actuators to pressurize the chamber and ensure unidirectional flow, integrated with a tortuous conduit and passive valves for precise fluid delivery, and a sensor for flow measurement to adjust operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a wearable device is designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then the need for frequent administration is reduced and patient compliance improves, but the device size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The force application assembly combines multiple functions (occluding the inlet line to restrict retrograde flow and pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the outlet) into a single mechanical action, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining controlled release capability
Solution Approach 2:
The force application assembly serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a valve actuator (by occluding the inlet line) and a pump actuator (by pressurizing the pumping chamber), thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and lowering overall device complexity
2Duration of action of moving object
If a wearable device is designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then the need for frequent administration is reduced and patient compliance improves, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force application assembly combines multiple functions (occluding the inlet line to restrict retrograde flow and pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the outlet) into a single mechanical action, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining controlled release capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a passive valve that automatically prevents reverse flow without requiring active control or additional power, reducing the need for powered components and thereby reducing device weight while maintaining reliable unidirectional flow
3Duration of action of moving object
If a wearable device is designed for controlled release of therapeutics, then the need for frequent administration is reduced and patient compliance improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force application assembly combines multiple functions (occluding the inlet line to restrict retrograde flow and pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the outlet) into a single mechanical action, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining controlled release capability
Solution Approach 2:
The force application assembly is positioned to utilize the same mechanical stroke for multiple functions: the initial portion of the stroke occludes the inlet line while the remaining stroke pressurizes the pumping chamber, effectively nesting multiple functions within a single mechanical sequence and minimizing space requirements
4Ease of operation
If existing portable devices are used for controlled release of therapeutics, then administration of medications like insulin is enabled, but the malfunction rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a passive valve that automatically prevents reverse flow without requiring active control or additional power, reducing the number of powered components and potential failure points while ensuring reliable unidirectional flow
Solution Approach 2:
The force application assembly combines multiple functions (occluding the inlet line to restrict retrograde flow and pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the outlet) into a single mechanical action, reducing the number of separate components and potential failure points while maintaining controlled release 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 reliable, efficient, and controlled delivery of therapeutic fluids over time, reducing the need for frequent administration and improving patient compliance by minimizing device size and weight while enhancing reliability and precision.
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.