Miniature disposable drug infusion pump with integrated flow meter and bubble detection

This project involves the development of a miniature, disposable, infusion system that includes a micropump, novel flow meter, bubble detection, programmability and drug identification, and wireless communications. The phase I effort will result in the development of 3 new technologies: a novel miniature pumping mechanism called a "Annular Valve Micropump", an integrated but independent flow measurement device called a "Balloon flow meter", and a system for detecting gas bubbles. All of these functions are provided from only two major assemblies that are largely made from molded elastomer. The pump valves are annular in design and molded directly into one of the main assemblies. Pump actuation is driven by a 3 Volt coin battery that powers a high-speed (~ 5 Hz) Nitinol actuator. The Balloon flow meter employs an elastomeric section that stretches as it receives fluid - thus pressurizing the receiving cavity. The pressure is measured from a calibrated embedded strain gauge. Bubble detection is provided by the integration of a hydrophilic filter.