Patch-sized fluid delivery systems and methods
A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
1. A method of making a delivery device, the method comprising:
providing a first housing portion;
providing a second housing portion configured to selectively engage with and disengage from the first housing portion;
supporting a rotatable rotor for rotation, the rotor having at least one pad or roller for movement in an annular path with the rotation of the rotor;
providing a conduit having a flexible portion;
coupling an interior volume of a reservoir in fluid flow communication with the conduit, the interior volume of the reservoir for containing a fluid;
supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on the first housing portion and arranging the flexible portion of the conduit within at least a portion of the annular path of the at least one pad or roller to be engaged at locations along the annular path by the at least one pad or roller when the second housing portion and the first housing portion are engaged, the flexible portion of the conduit being resiliently collapsible at the locations of engagement of the at least one pad or roller to provide a pumping action as the rotor rotates while the first and second housing portions are engaged, the conduit being connectable in fluid flow communication with an injection site, wherein supporting the flexible portion of the conduit comprises supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a flat support surface;
supporting a drive device on the second housing portion; and
operatively coupling the drive device to the rotor for selectively rotating the rotor to provide the pumping action while the first and second housing portions are engaged.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein supporting a rotatable rotor comprises supporting the rotatable rotor on the second housing portion.
3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein:
providing a second housing portion further comprising providing a housing structure with an internal volume;
supporting a rotatable rotor comprises supporting a rotor on the second housing portion, outside of the internal volume; and
operatively coupling the drive device to the rotor comprises extending a rotor shaft having a longitudinal axis into the interior volume of the second housing portion, operatively coupling the rotor shaft to the rotor and to the drive device to transfer drive force from the drive device to the rotor.
4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein extending a rotor shaft comprises extending the rotor shaft through an aperture in a wall of the second housing portion.
5. A method according to claim 4 , further comprising arranging a seal around the aperture in the wall of the second housing portion.
6. A method according to claim 3 , wherein supporting a rotatable rotor comprises supporting a rotor within a recess in a wall of the second housing portion.
7. A method according to claim 1 , wherein supporting a rotatable rotor comprises supporting a rotary wheel and wherein the at least one pad or roller is supported by the rotary wheel.
8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a flat support surface comprises supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a flat surface of the reservoir.
9. A method according to claim 1 , wherein supporting the flexible portion of the conduit comprises supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a curved support surface.
10. A method according to claim 9 , wherein supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a curved support surface comprises supporting the flexible portion of the conduit on a curved surface of the reservoir.
11. A method according to claim 1 , wherein arranging the flexible portion of the conduit that is arranged within at least a portion of the annular path of the at least one pad or roller comprises arranging a portion of the conduit in at least a partial coil around a generally annular path.