JP2008534131A - Fluid dosing device - Google Patents

Abstract

  The fluid administration device of the present invention may include a fluid drive mechanism for driving fluid from the tank and an operation mechanism for operating the fluid drive mechanism. The fluid dispensing device of the present invention may also include one or more sensors for monitoring the operation of the fluid dispensing device. The fluid dispensing device of the present invention may also include a chassis that provides mechanical and / or electrical connection between the components of the fluid dispensing device.

Description

  This application is a continuation application of US Patent Application No. 10 / 704,291 filed on November 7, 2003, which is a continuation application of US Patent Application No. 10 / 128,205 assigned to the present applicant. The contents are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 907,286 “CHASSIS FOR FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE” assigned to the present applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to a fluid delivery device (or fluid delivery device), and more particularly to an infusion pump for administering therapeutic fluid to a patient.

  Fluid administration devices have a variety of uses, such as administering a liquid drug subcutaneously to a patient. For example, gait infusion pumps are used to administer insulin to patients with diabetes mellitus and the like. These ambulatory infusion pumps have the ability to provide complex fluid dosing profiles (or dosing patterns) including various basal rates and bolus requirements. The ability to precisely control the administration of the drug results in improved efficacy of the drug and treatment and reduced toxicity.

  Some existing ambulatory infusion pumps include a tank for containing a liquid medication, for delivering the liquid medication through a tube to a needle and / or soft cannula that is inserted under the patient's skin. Use electromechanical pumps or metering techniques. These existing devices allow control and programming through electromechanical buttons or switches located on the device housing. These devices include visual feedback via text or image screens and may include warning and warning lamps and audio or vibration signals and alarms. These devices are typically attached to the patient's body using a harness or pocket or strap.

  However, prior art ambulatory infusion pumps are expensive, difficult to program and prepare for infusion, and are large, heavy and fragile. The preparation for infusion of these devices is often difficult and requires the patient to carry both the drug of interest and various accessories. Many existing devices also require special handling, maintenance, and cleaning to ensure correct function and safety for long-term use. Due to the complexity and high cost of these existing devices, many patients use these lower quality therapies, even though they can benefit greatly from ambulatory infusion pumps.

  Accordingly, there is a need for a fluid dispensing device that is small, simple, and low in manufacturing costs, and an object of the present invention is to provide such a fluid dispensing device.

  The fluid dispensing device of the present invention includes a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, and a drive wheel coupled to the threaded drive rod. including. The fluid dispensing device of the present invention also includes a pivotable drive coupling member including at least one arm configured to couple to the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction, and to pivot the pivotable drive coupling member First and second shape memory alloy (SMA) wire portions coupled to the pivotable drive coupling member. In response to power supply (or charging), the first SMA wire portion contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member in the first direction, and the second SMA wire portion contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member in the second direction. It is configured as follows.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device comprises a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod. And a driving wheel coupled to the driving wheel and configured to rotate the driving wheel in an increasing direction. This embodiment of the fluid dispensing device also includes a rotation sensor that extends across the drive wheel. The drive wheel is configured to couple the rotation sensor during rotation to bring the rotation sensor into contact with the conduction path and to activate an electrical signal indicative of rotation of the drive wheel.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device includes a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, when rotated. A drive wheel configured to be threadedly coupled to the threaded drive rod to provide linear movement of the threaded drive rod, and an actuating mechanism configured to couple the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction including. This embodiment of the fluid dispensing device also includes a fill sensor that extends across the threaded drive rod. A threaded drive rod is used to contact the filling sensor with an electrical conduction path that allows an electrical signal indicative of the amount of fluid in the fluid tank when the plunger is in a predetermined position in the fluid tank. Is configured to be coupled to.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device includes a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, and a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank. In this embodiment, the fluid dispensing device is also configured to receive a threaded drive rod and configured to move from a non-threaded coupled position to a threaded coupled position that couples to a thread (or thread groove) of the threaded drive rod. A drive wheel including a threaded coupling mechanism. The drive wheel is configured such that the thread coupling mechanism is in the thread coupling position and provides linear motion of the threaded drive rod when the drive wheel rotates.

  These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a fluid dispensing device 200 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid delivery device 200 is used to administer a fluid, such as a liquid drug, subcutaneously to a human or animal. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that fluid dispensing device 200 may be used for dispensing other types of fluids. The fluid delivery device 200 may be used to administer fluids in a controlled manner, such as, for example, in a bolus demand, continuous infusion, and in accordance with a fluid delivery profile to achieve various flow rates. Good.

  According to one embodiment, the fluid dispensing device 200 includes one or more batteries (or cells) 210 for providing power, a tank 230 for containing fluid, a fluid drive for driving fluid from the tank 230. It may include a circuit board 290 with a mechanism 250, a fluid supply mechanism 270 for receiving fluid from the tank 230 and for delivering fluid to a destination location, and a control circuit for controlling the apparatus. The fluid dispensing device 200 may also include a chassis 100 that provides mechanical and / or electrical connections between the components of the fluid dispensing device 200. One example of chassis 100 is described in detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 907,286, filed concurrently with this application, which application is incorporated herein by reference. The fluid dispensing device 200 may also include a housing 202 for housing the components 210, 230, 250, 270, 290 and the chassis 100.

  One embodiment of the tank 230 includes an exhaust port 232 to allow fluid to be exhausted from the tank 230. Tank 230 also includes a suction port 234 to allow tank 230 to be filled with fluid. One embodiment of tank 230 is described in detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 907,286, filed concurrently with this application, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

  One embodiment of the fluid supply mechanism 270 includes a percutaneous contact device 272 such as a needle and / or soft cannula that can penetrate the patient's skin and supply fluid into the patient's body. A fluid path such as a tube or tube (not shown) may be used to connect the tank 230 to the percutaneous contact device 272 in a state capable of fluid communication. The percutaneous contact device 272 is attached to an insertion mechanism that may include a slide carriage 274, 275, one or more springs 276, and a release member 280 (see FIG. 9). The slide carriages 274, 275 are in the first retracted position until the release member 280 releases the slide carriages 274, 275 and causes the spring 276 to drive the slide carriages 274, 275 to the insertion position in the direction of the arrow. It may be held. The fluid drive mechanism 250 may be used to actuate the release member 280 by coupling to the arm 282 of the release member 280. In one embodiment, slide carriage 274, 275 may first insert the needle and soft cannula, after which slide carriage 275 may withdraw the needle, leaving only the soft cannula in place. Various percutaneous contact devices and systems that can be housed in a chassis according to the present invention include, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,656,159, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10 / 128,206, 10 / 195,745, 10 / 260,192, No. 10 / 261,003, which are incorporated herein by reference.

  With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of the fluid drive mechanism 250 includes a threaded drive rod 252 coupled to a plunger 236. Plunger 236 is received in fluid tank 230 (see FIG. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive wheel 256 is threadedly coupled to the threaded drive rod 252 to advance the plunger 236 into the tank 230, thereby providing linear motion to the threaded drive rod 252, thereby fluid from the tank 230. Extrude Alternatively, the threaded drive rod 252 may be threadedly coupled to the plunger 236 and the drive wheel 256 may be secured to the threaded drive rod 252 to rotate the threaded drive rod 252 and provide the plunger 236 with a linear motion. .

  One embodiment of the drive wheel 256 includes first and second ratchet wheel portions 258a, 258b and a hub 254 between the ratchet wheel portions 258a, 258b. The drive wheel 256 may be supported by the chassis 100 in a rotatable state. In particular, the hub 254 may be supported by one or more bearing surfaces 158a-c on the chassis 100 (see FIG. 9). Drive wheel 256 is preferably made from plastic and drive rod 252 is preferably made from metal or plastic.

  An actuation mechanism is used to rotate the drive wheels 256 in the coupling and increasing direction. One example of an actuation mechanism for the drive wheel 256 may include a linear actuator. A preferred linear actuator comprises a shape memory alloy wire. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as preferred, the SMA wire comprises first and second shape memory alloy (SMA) wire portions 260a, 260b coupled to a pivotable drive coupling member 262. The SMA wire portions 260a, 260b may be formed as a continuous SMA wire crimped to a pivotable drive coupling member 262, as shown. The SMA wire portions 260a, 260b are also formed as separate wire members for connection to the pivotable drive coupling member 262 and may be connected in other ways well known in the art. The SMA wire may be made from Nitinol, a known alloy of nickel and titanium, or other SMA wire well known in the art. The pivotable drive coupling member 262 may be made from an electrically conductive material such as a copper alloy.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the SMA wire portions 260a, 260b may be mechanically secured to the chassis 100 and electrically connected to the contacts 160a, 160b of the chassis 100. In the illustrated embodiment, SMA wire portions 260a, 260b are connected to crimp terminals 266a, 266b attached to slots formed in the electrically conductive portion of chassis 100. The crimp terminals 266a and 266b may be formed of a conductive material such as a copper alloy. The SMA wire portions 260a, 260b may also be wrapped around struts 161a, 161b or other mechanical structures that extend from the chassis 100, for example to increase the functional length of the SMA wire.

  The pivotable drive coupling member 262 may be pivotably coupled to a pivot point 162 on the chassis 100 that also functions as an electrical contact. One embodiment of the pivotable drive coupling member 262 includes arms 264a, 264b that couple to the teeth of the ratchet wheel portions 258a, 258b when the pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots and rotate the drive wheel 256 in an increasing direction. Including. The pivotable drive coupling member 262 also includes legs 268a, 268b that contact points 164a, 164b on the chassis 100 when the pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots. Alternatively, the pivotable drive coupling member 262 may include only one arm and one leg.

  Contacts 160a, 160b, 162, 164a, 164b provide an electrical connection between the components of the actuation mechanism and a control circuit (not shown). In one embodiment, this electrical connection is provided through a conductive path that extends along the chassis 100. Contacts 160a, 160b electrically connect SMA wire portions 260a, 260b to actuator conduction paths 194a, 194b on chassis 100. The pivot point 162 electrically connects the pivotable drive coupling member 262 to a common ground conduction path 195 on the chassis 100. Contacts 164a, 164b electrically connect pivotable drive coupling member 262 to actuator conduction paths 196a, 196b. The conduction path along the chassis 100 is described in detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 907,286, filed concurrently with this application, which application is incorporated herein by reference. Other means for electrically connecting the components of the actuation mechanism to the control circuit will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the operation of the actuation mechanism is shown in detail. To power the SMA wire portions 260a, 260b (or to charge the SMA wire portions 260a, 260b), a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the chassis 100 includes, for example, a conduction path 194a, Current is selectively supplied to the SMA wire portions 260a and 260b via 194b (see FIG. 4). The current supplied to the first SMA wire portion 260a passes through the SMA wire portion 260a and the pivotable drive coupling member 262 and flows through the pivot point 162 to the common ground conduction path 195, thereby energizing the second SMA wire portion 260b. Without energizing the first SMA wire portion 260a (see FIG. 4). When energized (or charged), the first SMA wire portion 260a contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member 262 in the first direction indicated by the arrow 20. As the pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots in the first direction, the arm 264a couples to the teeth of the ratchet wheel portion 258a and rotates the drive wheel 256 by one increment. The pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots in the first direction 20 until the leg 268b contacts the contact 164b to electrically connect the pivotable drive coupling member 262 to the conduction path 196b (see FIG. 4). This activates a signal to a control circuit (not shown) via conduction path 196b, indicating that the control circuit should override the current being supplied to the first SMA wire portion 260a. The arm 264a or 264b is always connected by the tooth portion of the drive wheel. Thus, the combined arm 264a or 264b prevents reverse rotation of the drive wheel, eliminating the need for a separate pawl member. As shown in FIG. 13, the teeth of the ratchet wheel portions 258a, 258b are arranged offset from each other (or vertically displaced from each other), whereby the arms 264a and 264b and the ratchet wheel are arranged. The tolerance for the connection between 258a and 258b is maximized.

  To initiate the next pulse, the control circuit supplies current to the second SMA wire portion 260b via, for example, the conduction path 194b and the contact 160b (see FIG. 4). When energized (or charged), the second SMA wire portion 260b contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member 262 in the second direction indicated by arrow 22. As the pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots in the second direction, the arm 264b couples to the teeth of the ratchet wheel portion 258b and rotates the drive wheel 256 by one increment. The pivotable drive coupling member 262 pivots in the second direction 22 until the leg 268a contacts the contact 164a to electrically connect the pivotable drive coupling member 262 to the conduction path 196a (see FIG. 4). This activates a signal to a control circuit (not shown) via conduction path 196a, indicating that the control circuit should override the current being supplied to the second SMA wire portion 260b.

  Each incremental rotation of drive wheel 256 advances the plunger in tank 230, causing a discrete amount of fluid to be dispensed. The discrete amount of fluid to be dispensed is a function of the lead screw pitch (ie, threading / inch), the number of teeth on the ratchet wheel (ie, ratchet wheel tooth dimensions), and the diameter of the fluid tank. . In preferred embodiments, for administration of U100 for the treatment of juvenile diabetes, the discrete amount of fluid administered is between about 0.25 μL and about 0.5 μL. The control circuit alternately energizes the SMA wire portions 260a, 260b until the desired amount of fluid is dispensed. One example of a control circuit and control method is described in detail in US patent application Nos. 10 / 835,727, No. 10 / 836,525, and No. 10 / 836,535, which are incorporated herein by reference.

  Examples of alternating drive and actuation mechanisms that can be used with fluid delivery device 200 are described in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,656,158, 6,656,159, and U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 704,291. Are incorporated herein by reference.

  The fluid dispensing device 200 may also include one or more sensors to monitor the operation of the fluid drive mechanism 250. For example, a fill sensor may be used to sense the level of fluid in the tank 230 when filling the tank 230 with fluid and / or when dispensing fluid from the tank 230. A rotation sensor may also be used to sense that the fluid drive mechanism 250 is operating as expected.

  With reference to FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, one embodiment of a fill sensor is supported (or attached) at one end by a sensor support 166 and intersects the path of the threaded drive rod 252. A sensor rod 292 that extends. When the threaded drive rod 252 is coupled to the fill sensor rod 292, the drive rod 252 moves the fill sensor rod 292 and couples it to the contact 165. The combination of contacts 165 forms a circuit and activates the fill sensor signal for the control circuit. Fill sensor rod 292 may be made from an electrically conductive material such as a copper alloy or may be plated with a conductive material such as nickel or gold.

  When the drive rod 252 brings the filling sensor rod 292 into contact with the contact 165, the plunger 236 is in a predetermined position of the tank 230 so that the amount of fluid in the tank 230 is known. The fill sensor may be used to indicate that the tank has been filled to a predetermined amount when filling the fluid dispensing device 200 or to “wake up” the control circuit of the fluid dispensing device 200. May be used. That is, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fluid dispensing device control circuit may be in a resting state characterized by minimal activity and power consumption before the fill sensor is activated. In such an embodiment, when the fill sensor is activated, the control circuit enters an active state characterized by high activity and power consumption. The fill sensor may also be used to indicate that a predetermined amount of fluid remains in the tank when dispensing fluid. Although only a single embodiment of the fill sensor is described herein, other configurations may be used to activate the fill sensor signal in response to a predetermined position of the drive rod. Referring to FIG. 14, in an alternative embodiment, the fill sensing system includes a plurality of sensor rods 292 and contacts 165 disposed at desired locations along the drive rod 252. The number and location of sensor bars and contacts may be selected for each embodiment.

  Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, one embodiment of a rotation sensor is supported (or attached) at one end by a sensor support 168, and the polygonal portion of drive wheel 256 (or other A rotation sensor bar 294 extending across the cam-shaped portion). The rotation sensor bar 294 contacts the contact 169 to form a circuit and activates a rotation sensor signal to the control circuit. When the driving wheel 256 rotates in the increasing direction, the hub 254 of the driving wheel 256 is coupled to the rotation sensor rod 294 and the contact between the rotation sensor rod 294 and the contact 169 is released. Activation and deactivation of the rotation sensor signal indicates that the drive wheel 256 is rotating. The particular shape of the polygonal portion of the drive wheel may be selected to optimize the rotation sensor for any application. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C, the rotation sensor comprises a sensor bar that moves alternately between two contacts 169a and 169b, whereby FIGS. 15A, 15B, And 15C with three different states and corresponding increments. Although only a single embodiment of the rotation sensor is described here, other configurations may be used to activate the rotation sensor signal in response to the drive wheel movement.

  With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the sensor rods 292, 294 may be supported (or attached) to the chassis 100. In this embodiment, the sensor supports 166, 168 are electrically connected to a common ground conduction path 195 that extends along the chassis 100, and the contacts 165, 169 are sensor conduction that extends along the chassis 100. It is electrically connected to the paths 197 and 198. Sensor conduction paths 197, 198 are electrically connected to the control circuit.

  Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the drive wheel 256 may include a thread coupling mechanism 240 that moves from a non-thread coupled position to a thread coupled position. The non-threaded coupling position, for example, allows the threaded drive rod 252 to move freely through the drive wheel 256 when the fluid dispensing device tank is filled. The threaded coupling position, for example, allows the threaded drive rod 252 to be advanced only when the drive wheel 256 is rotated when dispensing or transferring fluid from the tank.

  One embodiment of the thread coupling mechanism 240 includes an inclined nut 242 having thread areas (or thread areas) 244a, 244b. The tilt nut 242 may include one or more pivot pins 246 that pivotably support the tilt nut 242 within the drive wheel 256 (see FIG. 2). The tilt nut pin 246 provides a pivot axis for the tilt nut 242 perpendicular to the axis of the drive rod 252. This pivot is preferably offset (or offset from the center) of the tilt nut 242 center. The tilt nut 242 is held in the drive wheel 256 by a portion of the chassis and a tilt nut clip 1201 (shown in exploded view in FIG. 12A). When the inclined nut 242 is in the open position (inclined position), the thread regions 244a and 244b are not coupled to the thread (or thread groove) of the threaded drive rod 252 (see FIG. 11A). When the tilt nut 242 is in the closed position (see FIG. 11B), the thread portion is coupled to the threaded drive rod 252.

  According to one embodiment, the canted nut 242 may also include a cam member 248 that couples to a guide surface 146 and a cam surface 148 on the chassis 100, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Initially, the cam member 248 is coupled to the guide surface 146 and is held in the open (tilted) position (see FIG. 12A). During initial rotation, the cam member 248 is coupled to the cam surface 148, which causes the cam member 248 to rotate to the thread coupling position. The tilt nut 242 is maintained in a threaded position when the drive wheel 256 advances the drive rod 252 and plunger 236, thereby dispensing fluid. When the drive rod 252 is coupled to the tilt nut 242, the tilt nut is brought into the closed position by the chassis surface and nut clip and by pressure in the direction of the plunger 236 relative to the offset pivot axis of the drive rod tilt nut 242. Retained. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the static friction of the O-ring 501 on the plunger 236 provides sufficient anti-rotational friction to prevent the plunger from rotating with the drive rod 252.

  16 and 17 show an alternative embodiment of a “wake-up” system for a fluid dispensing device. FIG. 16 shows the bottom of a fluid delivery device having a percutaneous contact device 270 and a needle cap 1601. As shown in FIG. 17, the needle cap is electrically and / or mechanically connected to a switch 1705 that couples a power source 1703 and a control circuit 1707. Removal of the needle cap 1601 closes the switch between the power supply 1703 and the control circuit 1707, thereby “wakening” the fluid dispensing device.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the components are mechanically fixed and electrically connected to a single chassis. However, the components of the fluid administration device of the present invention include other members such as independent members and housings. May be mechanically fixed and / or electrically connected to the structure.

  In summary, the fluid dispensing device of the present invention is coupled to a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, and a threaded drive rod. Including drive wheels. The fluid dispensing device of the present invention also includes a pivotable drive coupling member including at least one arm configured to couple to the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction, and to pivot the pivotable drive coupling member First and second shape memory alloy (SMA) wire portions coupled to the pivotable drive coupling member. In response to charging or feeding, the first SMA wire portion contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member in the first direction, and the second SMA wire portion contracts and pulls the pivotable drive coupling member in the second direction Has been.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device comprises a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod. And a driving wheel coupled to the driving wheel and configured to rotate the driving wheel in an increasing direction. This embodiment of the fluid dispensing device also includes a rotation sensor that extends across the drive wheel. The drive wheel is configured to couple the rotation sensor during rotation to bring the rotation sensor into contact with the conduction path and to activate an electrical signal indicative of rotation of the drive wheel.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device includes a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank, when rotated. A drive wheel configured to be threadedly coupled to the threaded drive rod to provide linear movement of the threaded drive rod, and an actuating mechanism configured to couple the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction including. This embodiment of the fluid dispensing device also includes a fill sensor that extends across the threaded drive rod. A threaded drive rod is used to contact the filling sensor with an electrical conduction path that allows an electrical signal indicative of the amount of fluid in the fluid tank when the plunger is in a predetermined position in the fluid tank. Is configured to be coupled to.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispensing device includes a fluid tank, a plunger received within the fluid tank, and a threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger for advancing the plunger within the fluid tank. In this embodiment, the fluid dispensing device is also configured to receive a threaded drive rod and includes a thread coupling mechanism configured to move from a non-thread coupled position to a thread coupled position that couples to a thread of the threaded drive rod. Including drive wheels. The drive wheel is configured such that the thread coupling mechanism is in the thread coupling position and provides linear motion of the threaded drive rod when the drive wheel rotates.

  Although the principles of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. That is, in addition to these exemplary embodiments described and illustrated thus far, other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. Also, modifications and substitutions of these embodiments by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying drawings.

1 is a top view of a fluid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a fluid drive mechanism used in the fluid dispensing device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fluid drive mechanism shown in FIG. 2 assembled in a chassis. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an actuation mechanism for a fluid dispensing device. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the actuation mechanism shown in FIG. 4 operating the fluid drive mechanism shown in FIG. 2. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fill sensor that can be used in a fluid drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the filling sensor shown in FIG. 6 from the side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating from the side the operation of a rotation sensor that can be used in a fluid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a chassis of a fluid dispensing device with a sensor disposed on the chassis according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fluid drive mechanism coupled to a sensor in the chassis shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a thread coupling mechanism moving from a non-thread coupling position to a thread coupling position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a thread coupling mechanism in a first position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the thread | sled coupling mechanism of a 2nd position. It is a top view of the thread | sled coupling mechanism of a 2nd position. 1 is a schematic enlarged side view of a drive wheel of a fluid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fill sensor system that can be used with a fluid drive mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating from the side the operation of an alternative rotation sensor that can be used in a fluid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a bottom view of a fluid dispensing device having a needle cap according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an activation system for a fluid dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Chassis 146 Guide surface 148 Cam surface 158 Bearing surface 160 Contact point 161 Post 162 Turning point 164, 165 Contact point 166, 168 Sensor support 169 Contact point 194 Conduction route 195 Common ground conduction route 196 Conduction route 197, 198 Sensor conduction route 200 Fluid administration device 210 Battery 230 Fluid tank 236 Plunger 240 Thread coupling mechanism 242 Inclined nut 244 Threaded area 246 Inclined nut pin 248 Cam member 250 Fluid drive mechanism 252 Threaded drive rod 254 Hub 256 Drive wheel 258 Ratchet wheel 260 Wire portion 262 Swivel drive connection Member 264 Arm 266 Crimp terminal 268 Leg 270 Fluid supply mechanism 272 Transcutaneous contact device 274,275 Slide carriage 27 The spring 280 release member 290 circuit board 292 filled sensor rod 294 rotates the sensor rod 501 O-ring 1201 inclined nut clip 1601 needle cap 1703 power 1705 switch 1707 controller

Claims (27)

Fluid tank;
A plunger received in the fluid tank;
A threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger to advance the plunger in the fluid tank;
A drive wheel coupled to the threaded drive rod;
A pivotable drive coupling member including at least one arm configured to couple to the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction; and
Fluid administration comprising a linear actuator coupled to the pivotable drive coupling member for pivoting the pivotable drive coupling member, wherein the linear actuator causes the pivotable drive coupling member to rotate when actuated. apparatus.   The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is an SMA wire.   The SMA wire includes at least one first and second SMA wire portion, the first SMA wire portion causes the pivotable drive coupling member to rotate in a first direction, and the second SMA wire portion is the pivotable drive coupling. The fluid administration device according to claim 2, wherein the member rotates in the second direction.   The first and second SMA wire portions are part of a continuous SMA wire having first and second ends, and the pivotable drive coupling member is coupled between the first and second ends. The fluid administration device according to claim 3.   The fluid delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pivotable drive coupling member includes one leg configured to contact an electrical conduction path to activate an actuator signal.   First and second configured such that when the pivotable drive coupling member is pivoted in first and second directions, the pivotable drive coupling member is coupled to the drive wheel and rotates it in an increasing direction. 6. The fluid dispensing device of claim 5, comprising an arm.   First and second legs configured such that when the pivotable drive coupling member is pivoted in first and second directions, the pivotable drive coupling member contacts an electrical conduction path to activate an actuator signal. The fluid administration device according to claim 6, comprising a unit.   The fluid dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the drive wheel includes first and second ratchet wheel portions coupled by the first and second arms of the pivotable drive coupling member.   The first and second ratchet wheel portions comprise a plurality of teeth for coupling to the arms of the pivotable drive coupling member, the teeth of the first ratchet wheel being offset from the teeth of the second ratchet wheel The fluid administration device according to claim 6, comprising:   4. The fluid dispensing device of claim 3, further comprising a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, the pivotable drive coupling member, and the SMA wire portion.   11. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the pivotable drive coupling member is pivotally coupled to the chassis and the SMA wire is attached to the chassis at the first and second ends.   The chassis includes an electrically conductive path, the first and second SMA wire portions are electrically connected to two of the electrically conductive paths configured to pass current through the SMA wire portion, and the swivel The fluid dispensing device of claim 11, wherein a possible drive coupling member is electrically connected to another of the conduction paths configured to function as a common ground.   A rotation sensor extending across the drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel couples the rotation sensor to an electrical conduction path during operation of at least a portion of the rotation of the drive wheel and separates it from the electrical conduction path; The fluid delivery device of claim 1, configured to couple to the rotation sensor to activate a rotation sensor signal indicative of rotation of the drive wheel.   The chassis further includes a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, the pivotable drive coupling member, and the SMA wire portion, the chassis including an electrically conductive path, and one end of the rotation sensor is Attached to the chassis, electrically connected to one of the conduction paths, and the rotation sensor is in contact with another of the electrical conduction paths and activates the electrical signal to activate the rotation sensor signal. 14. A fluid dispensing device according to claim 13, configured to be separated from another of the conduction paths.   The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the drive wheel is configured to threadably couple to the threaded drive rod to provide linear motion of the threaded drive rod.   And further comprising a fill sensor extending across the threaded drive rod path, wherein the threaded drive rod causes the fill sensor to contact the conductive path when the plunger is in a predetermined position of the fluid tank. 16. The fluid dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the fluid dispensing device is configured to couple to the fill sensor to activate a fill sensor signal indicative of the amount of fluid in the fluid tank.   The chassis further includes a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, the pivotable drive coupling member, and the SMA wire portion, the chassis including an electrically conductive path, and one end of the rotation sensor is Attached to the chassis, electrically connected to one of the conduction paths, and configured so that the filling sensor contacts another of the conduction paths to activate the filling sensor signal The fluid administration device according to claim 16.   A plurality of fill sensors extending across the thread drive rod path, the thread drive rod contacting the fill sensor with the conduction path when the plunger is in a predetermined position of the fluid tank; 16. The fluid dispensing device of claim 15, wherein each fluid dispensing device is configured to couple to the filling sensor to activate a filling sensor signal that is indicative of the amount of fluid in the fluid tank.   A thread coupling mechanism configured to move the drive wheel from a non-thread coupled position to a thread coupled position coupled to a thread of the threaded drive rod, the drive wheel including the thread coupling mechanism in the thread coupled position; The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid dispensing device is configured to provide linear movement of the threaded drive rod when the drive wheel is rotated. Fluid tank;
A plunger received in the fluid tank;
A threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger to advance the plunger in the fluid tank;
A drive wheel coupled to the threaded drive rod;
An actuating mechanism configured to couple to the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction; and
A rotation sensor extending across the drive wheel, the drive wheel coupling the rotation sensor to an electrical conduction path during the rotation of the drive wheel and activating an electrical signal indicating rotation of the drive wheel A fluid dispensing device configured to be coupled to the rotation sensor.   And further comprising a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, and the actuation mechanism, the chassis includes an electrical conduction path, and one end of the rotation sensor is attached to the chassis; Electrically connected to one of the conduction paths, and the rotation sensor contacts and separates from another of the conduction paths to activate the electrical signal 21. A fluid dispensing device according to claim 20, configured as described above.   21. The fluid dispensing device of claim 20, wherein the drive wheel includes a hub configured to contact the rotation sensor. Fluid tank;
A plunger received in the fluid tank;
A threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger to advance the plunger in the fluid tank;
A drive wheel configured to be threadedly coupled to the threaded drive rod, the drive wheel configured to provide linear motion of the threaded drive rod when the drive wheel rotates;
An actuating mechanism configured to couple to the drive wheel and rotate it in an increasing direction; and
A filling sensor extending across the threaded drive rod path, the threaded drive rod contacting the fill sensor with the electrical conduction path when the plunger is in a predetermined position of the fluid tank; A fluid dispensing device configured to couple to the fill sensor to activate an electrical signal indicative of the amount of fluid in the fluid tank.   A plurality of fill sensors extending across the thread drive rod path, the thread drive rod contacting the fill sensor with the conduction path when the plunger is in a predetermined position of the fluid tank; 24. The fluid dispensing device of claim 23, wherein each fluid dispensing device is configured to be coupled to the fill sensor to activate a fill sensor signal each indicative of an amount of fluid in the fluid tank.   Further comprising a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, and the actuation mechanism, the chassis includes an electrical conduction path, and one end of the filling sensor is attached to the chassis; 24. The electrical connection to one of the conduction paths, and the fill sensor configured to contact another of the electrical conduction paths to activate the electrical signal. Fluid dosing device. Fluid tank;
A plunger received in the fluid tank;
A threaded drive rod coupled to the plunger to advance the plunger in the fluid tank;
A drive wheel configured to receive the threaded drive rod, comprising a thread coupling mechanism configured to move from a non-thread coupled position to a thread coupled position coupled to a thread of the threaded drive rod; A drive wheel configured to provide a linear movement of the threaded drive rod when a thread coupling mechanism is in the thread coupling position and the drive wheel rotates; and
A fluid dispensing device comprising an actuation mechanism coupled to the drive wheel and configured to rotate it in an increasing direction.   The chassis further includes a chassis that mechanically interacts with the fluid tank, the drive wheel, and the actuating mechanism, wherein the chassis moves the thread coupling mechanism from the non-thread coupling position to the thread coupling position. 27. The fluid dispensing device of claim 26, comprising a cam surface configured to couple to the mechanism.

Images