SUPPORTING ONCOLOGY THERAPY AT HOME

Large Volume Infusion Device

Archimedic collaborated with West Pharmaceutical Services to develop a new single-use clinical infusion pump for oncology applications. This combination product pairs a drug with the delivery device used to administer it directly to the patient. The pump required a full concept development effort: industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, firmware, and fully functional prototypes. Archimedic delivered a ready-to-evaluate package, including prototypes and documentation, for stakeholder and user testing.

EXPLORING USABILITY AND FORM

Human Factors, Industrial Design

Archimedic began by mapping the complete product workflow, including every step a healthcare provider and patient would take from unboxing through delivery and disposal, to ensure the design met the demands of real-world use. Multiple industrial design concepts were developed, exploring different approaches to the infusion set connector, activation button, status indicator, and drug vial visibility while taking into account human factors considerations. Working iteratively with the West team, the concepts were narrowed to a final direction that prioritized intuitive use, clear visual feedback, and a form language consistent with other West products.

INSIDE-OUT

Mechanical Engineering

The device required a drive system capable of delivering a large drug volume against the higher forces that come with viscous biologics, a meaningful step up from existing platforms. Archimedic engineered the drive system to handle these demands while keeping the design cost-conscious throughout, as single-use economics shaped every component decision. The housing was designed to constrain the syringe securely under drive load, retain the tip cap, and maximize dispensed volume, while keeping device internals fully concealed from view. A novel detection mechanism was developed to sense infusion set insertion and automatically power on the device, eliminating a manual step and reducing the potential for user error.

OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE

Electromechanical Engineering

Archimedic developed the electromechanical architecture, adding the sensing, power management, and motor control functionality needed for device functionality. PCB layouts were developed and iterated through fabrication and testing. Firmware was developed to implement each device state: pre-delivery, active delivery, paused, complete, and error states, each with distinct LED and audio feedback. All electronics and firmware were integrated and validated in the Alpha prototypes.

VERIFYING FUNCTION AND PRECISION

Prototyping & Testing

Five functional Alpha prototypes were assembled, integrating the mechanical housings, drive system, electronics, and firmware into complete, testable devices. A formal test protocol was developed jointly with West prior to the build, defining acceptance criteria for each device state and delivery scenario. The prototypes were put through a full test cycle and delivered to West, along with a complete documentation package: test reports, CAD files, electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware; providing everything needed to evaluate the concept and plan the next phase of development.

USER INTERACTION

IFUs & Labeling

Clear, accurate instructions are as much a part of a clinical device as the hardware itself, particularly for a single-use injector where errors in use can have serious consequences. Archimedic developed preliminary Instructions For Use, translating the full use sequence, from device removal from packaging and infusion set attachment, through drug delivery and device disposal, into step-by-step illustrated guidance. Use illustrations were developed alongside the IFU to visually communicate each stage of the process. Preliminary product labeling was also developed, defining the content hierarchy and required fields for the device label.