Pushing device with biasing member

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pusher device with a biasing member for pushing a medical instrument, the pusher device comprising a housing, a transport assembly, a needle tip support and a biasing member; the housing has a distal surface proximal to a skin surface; the transport assembly is configured to be movable within the housing between a proximal position distal to the distal surface and a distal position proximal to the distal surface and comprises at least two elastic arms engaged with the needle tip support, a constraint member constraining the at least two elastic arms, and an engagement member engaged with the medical instrument; the needle tip support is configured to be movable within the housing between the proximal position and the distal position; the biasing member is disposed within the housing and hinders the constraint member to disengage the elastic arms when the transport assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position, thereby causing the needle tip support to retract from the distal position to the proximal position. According to the pusher device of the present disclosure, the needle tip support can be automatically retracted to the proximal position, improving the safety of using the pusher device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2019114026669, filed on December 30, 2019, with the title of Pushing device for medical instrument. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pushing device with a biasing member. BACKGROUND

[0003] For the need of clinical diagnosis or personal health monitoring, it is sometimes necessary to insert a medical instrument containing an analyte sensor below the skin to detect the concentration of a certain component (e.g. glucose, salt, lactic acid, oxygen) in the interstitial fluid.

[0004] In particular, for diabetic patients, it is necessary to monitor the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid in real time and continuously on a daily basis to reduce and lower the incidence of complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Generally, when the glucose concentration in the blood begins to decrease, the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid decreases earlier than that in the blood, thereby indicating that the decrease in the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid can be a predictor of impending hypoglycemia. An analyte monitoring device that allows a user to monitor the concentration of a certain component in the interstitial fluid in real time on a daily basis usually includes an analyte sensor inserted below the skin in contact with the interstitial fluid and a sensor control device attached to the skin. Moreover, the analyte monitoring device is usually placed on the upper arm. In order to place the analyte monitoring device in the appropriate working position, a pushing device is usually needed. That is, the pushing device needs to insert the analyte sensor below the skin while attaching the sensor control device to the skin. Such a pushing device usually needs to be operated by a single hand of the user, so it is required to be simple, safe, reliable in insertion and attachment. In addition, in order to insert the analyte sensor below the skin, a needle tip is usually used. However, the pushing devices currently on the market often have complex operation, uncontrolled pushing force, positional deviation during insertion, and the analyte monitoring device is not properly inserted and attached, resulting in poor user experience and unreliable monitoring results. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure is completed in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and aims to provide a pushing device for medical instrument which is simple, safe, reliable in insertion and attachment.

[0006] To this end, the present disclosure provides a pushing device for a medical instrument, comprising: a housing having a distal surface close to a skin surface; a transport assembly configured to be movable between a proximal position away from the distal surface and a distal position close to the distal surface within the housing, the transport assembly comprising an engaging member clamped with the medical instrument; and a needle tip support configured to be movable between the proximal position and the distal position within the housing, wherein the transport assembly has at least two elastic arms clamped with the needle tip support and a constraint member constraining the elastic arms, and a biasing member is arranged in the housing to hinder the constraint member when the transport assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0007] In the present disclosure, the constraint member constrains the elastic arms so that the needle tip support is confined within the transport assembly, and when the transport assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the biasing member hinders the movement of the constraint member so that the constraint of the constraint member on the elastic arms is released, thereby further releasing the clamping of the elastic arms on the needle tip support so that the needle tip support can be withdrawn from the distal position to the proximal position. In this case, when the medical instrument is applied to the skin surface, the needle tip support can be automatically withdrawn to the proximal position. Thus, the damage of the pushing device to the human tissue can be reduced, and the safety of the pushing device in use can be improved.

[0008] In addition, in the pushing device according to the present disclosure, optionally, the medical instrument comprises an analyte sensor in contact with interstitial fluid under the skin surface and a sensor control device placed on the skin. In this case, the analyte sensor can monitor the concentration of a certain component in the interstitial fluid, and the monitoring data can be transmitted to a display instrument for the user to read through the sensor control device, so that the user can conveniently monitor his own health status in real time on a daily basis.

[0009] In addition, in the pushing device according to the present disclosure, optionally, the analyte sensor monitors glucose. Thus, the user can conveniently monitor the glucose concentration in the body in real time on a daily basis.

[0010] In addition, in the pushing device according to the present disclosure, optionally, the pushing device further comprises a first spring arranged between the housing and the transport assembly. In this case, when the clamping of the housing on the transport assembly is released, the transport assembly can move from the proximal position to the distal position under the pushing force of the first spring, so that the medical instrument can be applied to the skin surface.

[0011] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, the transport assembly can optionally have a protrusion, and a shoulder portion that can be disengaged from the protrusion can be provided on the side of the housing, and a contact member that acts on the protrusion can be provided on the side of the housing. In this case, the user presses the contact member to disengage the protrusion from the shoulder portion. Thus, the transport assembly can be pushed from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0012] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, the needle tip support portion can optionally support the needle tip such that the needle tip is completely covered by the housing when the needle tip support portion is in the proximal position. In this case, the needle tip can be protected from contact with foreign objects to prevent deformation or contamination, and the user can not be able to see the needle tip, thereby improving the safety and comfort of the pusher device.

[0013] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, the pusher device can optionally further include a second spring provided between the transport assembly and the needle tip support portion. In this case, after the insertion and application actions are completed, the needle tip support portion can return to the proximal position from the distal position by the pushing of the second spring, thereby enabling the needle tip to be withdrawn from the body.

[0014] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, the engagement member can be configured to be released from the medical device when the transport assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position. In this case, the medical device can be separated from the transport assembly, thereby enabling the application state to be maintained on the skin.

[0015] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, the needle tip can have a needle groove provided along the length direction of the needle tip, and the analyte sensor can be placed in the needle groove. In this case, the needle tip can pierce the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and place the analyte sensor in the subcutaneous tissue, thereby enabling the analyte sensor and the interstitial fluid to be more fully contacted.

[0016] In addition, in the pusher device according to the present disclosure, when the needle tip support portion moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the needle tip can be inserted below the skin surface and the analyte sensor can be placed in a position in contact with the interstitial fluid. In this case, the analyte sensor can monitor the concentration of a specific component in the interstitial fluid, thereby enabling the user to easily monitor his or her health status in real time on a daily basis.

[0017] Furthermore, in the push device disclosed herein, optionally, the sensor control device is attached to the skin surface. In this case, the analyte sensor can monitor the concentration of a specific component in the tissue fluid, and the sensor control device transmits the monitoring data to a display instrument that is easy for the user to read, thereby enabling the user to conveniently monitor their health status in real time on a daily basis. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a pushing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the pushing device involved in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the medical device involved in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the coupling involved in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the needle tip involved in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the initial state of the pushing device according to this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pushing device according to this embodiment when it completes pushing.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the tip of the pushing device according to this embodiment after retraction.

[0026] Label Explanation:

[0027] 1…Pushing device, 9…Medical device, 91…Analyte sensor, 92…Sensor control device, 921…Hole, 922…Gate, 10…Housing, 101…Distant surface, 11…Contact, 12…Shoulder, 13…Biasing member, 20…Transport assembly, 21…Elastic arm, 22…Constraint, 23…Protrusion, 24…Gate, 241…Protrusion, 30…First spring, 40…Needle tip support, 50…Needle tip, 51…Needle groove, 60…Second spring. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely schematic diagrams, and the proportions of the parts or the shapes of the parts may differ from the actual figures.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the pushing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the pushing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the pushing device 1 may include a housing 10 having a distal surface 101 close to the skin surface; a transport assembly 20 configured to be movable within the housing 10 between a proximal position away from the distal surface 101 and a distal position close to the distal surface 101, the transport assembly 20 including a coupling member 24 that engages with the medical device 9; and a needle tip support 40 configured to be movable between a proximal position and a distal position within the housing 10, wherein the transport assembly 20 has at least two elastic arms 21 that engage with the needle tip support 40 and constraint members 22 that constrain the elastic arms 21, and within the housing 10, a biasing member 13 is provided to obstruct the constraint members 22 when the transport assembly 20 moves from the proximal position to the distal position.

[0031] In the push device 1 of this embodiment, the constraint member 22 constrains the elastic arm 21, thus confining the needle tip support 40 within the transport assembly 20. When the transport assembly 20 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the bias member 13 obstructs the movement of the constraint member 22, thereby releasing the constraint of the constraint member 22 on the elastic arm 21. This further releases the engagement of the elastic arm 21 with the needle tip support 40, allowing the needle tip support 40 to retract from the distal position to the proximal position. In this case, after the medical device 9 is applied to the skin surface, the needle tip support 40 can automatically retract to the proximal position. Therefore, damage to human tissue by the push device 1 can be reduced, improving the safety of using the push device 1.

[0032] (Medical devices)

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the medical device 9 involved in this embodiment. Figure 3 (a) is a top-angle view showing the medical device 9 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 (b) is a top-down view showing the medical device 9 involved in this embodiment.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the medical device 9 may include an analyte sensor 91 that is in contact with tissue fluid beneath the skin surface and a sensor control device 92 placed on the skin. In this case, the analyte sensor 91 can monitor the concentration of a specific component in the tissue fluid, and the sensor control device 92 transmits the monitoring data to a display instrument that is easy for the user to read, thereby enabling the user to conveniently monitor their health status in real time on a daily basis.

[0035] In this embodiment, the analyte sensor 91 can monitor glucose. This allows users to conveniently monitor their glucose concentration in real time on a daily basis.

[0036] In some examples, the sensor control device 92 may include an aperture 921 through which the needle tip 50 passes and an engagement groove 922 that engages with the engagement member 24. Thus, the medical device 9 can be engaged to the transport assembly 20 through the engagement groove 922.

[0037] In some examples, the skin-contacting surface of the sensor control device 92 may have adhesive. This facilitates the adhesion of the medical device 9 to the skin surface via bonding.

[0038] In some examples, the portion of the analyte sensor 91 exposed outside the sensor control device 92 may be in the form of a thin strip. This facilitates easier insertion of the analyte sensor 91 under the skin and allows for more thorough contact with tissue fluid.

[0039] In some examples, the sensor control device 92 can be elliptical. This allows for easier mating with the elliptical inner cavity of the connector 24. However, the shape of the sensor control device 92 is not limited to this; it can also be square, disc-shaped, triangular, or irregular in shape.

[0040] (case)

[0041] In this embodiment, a flexible contact member 11 may be provided on the housing 10. In this case, the user can release the engagement between the housing 10 and the transport component 20 by squeezing the contact member 11. This allows the user to easily operate the pushing device 1 with one hand.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing 10 can accommodate the transport component 20 and provide a track for the transport component 20. This allows the transport component 20 to move conveniently between a proximal position and a distal position within the housing 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the housing 10 may also include a distal surface 101 that contacts the skin surface, thereby helping to define the position where the medical device 9 is placed on the skin surface.

[0044] In this embodiment, the housing 10 can accommodate the medical device 9, thereby helping to protect the medical device 9 from damage caused by contact with foreign objects.

[0045] In some examples, the material of the parts constituting the housing 10 may be selected from at least one of plastic, rubber, and metal. In some examples, the material of the parts constituting the housing 10 may be selected from plastic. In some examples, the material of the parts constituting the housing 10 may be selected from at least one of ABS, POM, and nylon. In some examples, the parts constituting the housing 10 may be injection molded from plastic. This improves the rigidity of the housing 10 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0046] (Shipping components)

[0047] In this embodiment, the transport component 20 may have a protrusion 23, and a contact member 11 that interacts with the protrusion 23 and a shoulder portion 12 that can detach from the protrusion 23 are provided on the side of the housing 10. In this case, the protrusion 23 can be engaged with the shoulder portion 12, and the user can press the contact member 11 to disengage the protrusion 23 from the shoulder portion 12, thereby releasing the housing 10 from engaging the transport component 20.

[0048] (First spring)

[0049] In this embodiment, the pushing device 1 may further include a first spring 30 disposed between the housing 10 and the delivery assembly 20. In this case, when the housing 10 releases its engagement with the delivery assembly 20, the delivery assembly 20 can move from a proximal position to a distal position under the thrust of the first spring 30, thereby enabling the medical device 9 to be applied to the skin surface.

[0050] (Joint)

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the coupling member 24 involved in this embodiment. Figure 4 (a) is a top-angle view showing the coupling member 24 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 (b) is a top-view view showing the coupling member 24 involved in this embodiment.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the transport component 20 may include a coupling 24 that engages with the medical device 9.

[0053] In this embodiment, the engagement member 24 can be configured such that the engagement of the engagement member 24 with respect to the medical device 9 is released when the delivery assembly 20 moves from a proximal position to a distal position. In this case, the medical device 9 can be detached from the delivery assembly 20, thereby allowing the medical device 9 to remain in an adhesive state on the skin.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connector 24 may have a protrusion 241 that engages with the engagement groove 922 of the medical device 9. In this case, the protrusion 241 engages with the engagement groove 922, and the connector 24 retains the medical device 9 within the housing 10. This helps protect the medical device 9 from damage caused by contact with foreign objects.

[0055] In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 241 and corresponding engagement grooves 922 can be adjusted according to the adhesive force of the sensor control device 92 on the skin surface. On the one hand, this ensures the reliability of the engagement and prevents the medical device 9 from accidentally detaching from the engagement member 24 before application. On the other hand, the adhesive force of the sensor control device 92 on the skin surface needs to overcome the engagement force between the protrusions 241 and the engagement grooves 922 so that the sensor control device 92 remains attached to the skin surface.

[0056] In some examples, there may be four pairs of protrusions 241 and corresponding engagement grooves 922, thereby improving the reliability of the engagement.

[0057] In some examples, when the transport component 20 is moved to a remote position, the sensor control device 92 is adhered to the skin surface, and the engagement of the protrusion 241 with the engagement groove 922 can be disengaged, thereby enabling the sensor control device 92 to remain adhered to the skin surface.

[0058] In this embodiment, the coupling 24 may have an inner cavity that matches the shape of the sensor control device 92, thereby further protecting the medical device 9 from damage caused by contact with foreign objects.

[0059] (elastic arm)

[0060] In this embodiment, the transport assembly 20 may have at least two elastic arms 21 that engage with the needle tip support 40 and constraint members 22 that constrain the elastic arms 21, thereby enabling the needle tip support 40 to be confined within the transport assembly 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, the elastic arm 21 can elastically deform. In this case, when the restraint 22 is released from the elastic arm 21, the elastic arm 21 can be pushed outward. As a result, the needle tip support 40 can be released from the transport assembly 20.

[0062] In some examples, the elastic arms 21 can be arranged in a manner that is evenly distributed on the circumference, thereby facilitating the constraint 22 to bring the elastic arms 21 together to confine the needle tip support 40 within the transport assembly 20.

[0063] In some examples, there may be three elastic arms 21, but the number is not limited to this. The elastic arms 21 can be distributed in any number on the circumference so that the constrained members 22 can be brought together.

[0064] In some examples, the constraint 22 may be annular, which allows the elastic arm 21 to be brought together to confine the needle tip support 40 within the transport assembly 20.

[0065] In some examples, the flexible arm 21 can be formed on the coupling 24, thereby reducing the number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0066] (Needle tip support)

[0067] In this embodiment, the needle tip support 40 can support the needle tip 50 so that the needle tip 50 is completely covered by the housing 10 when the needle tip support 40 is in the proximal position. In this case, the needle tip 50 can be protected from contact with foreign objects under the protection of the housing 10 to avoid deformation or contamination, and the needle tip 50 can also be invisible to the user, thereby improving the safety and comfort of the pushing device 1.

[0068] In some examples, the needle tip support 40 can engage with the needle tip 50 via a claw. This allows the needle tip 50 to be easily loaded into the needle tip support 40.

[0069] (Second spring)

[0070] In this embodiment, the pushing device 1 may further include a second spring 60 disposed between the transport component 20 and the needle tip support 40. In this case, after the insertion and application actions are completed, the needle tip support 40 can return from the distal position to the proximal position under the push of the second spring 60, thereby enabling the needle tip 50 to be pulled out of the body.

[0071] (Needle tip)

[0072] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the needle tip 50 involved in this embodiment.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the needle tip 50 may have a needle groove 51 provided along the length direction of the needle tip 50, and the analyte sensor 91 is placed in the needle groove 51. In this case, the needle tip 50 can penetrate the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and place the analyte sensor 91 in the subcutaneous tissue, thereby enabling the analyte sensor 91 to come into more thorough contact with the tissue fluid.

[0074] In some examples, the needle tip 50 may be made of stainless steel. This helps the needle tip 50 to penetrate the skin and subcutaneous tissue more effectively.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the needle tip support 40 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the needle tip 50 can be inserted below the skin surface and the analyte sensor 91 is placed in contact with the tissue fluid. In this case, the analyte sensor 91 can monitor the concentration of a specific component in the tissue fluid, thereby enabling users to conveniently monitor their health status in real time on a daily basis.

[0076] In this embodiment, the sensor control device 92 can be applied to the skin surface. In this case, the sensor control device 92 can transmit the data monitored by the analyte sensor 91 to a display instrument that is easy for the user to read, thereby enabling the user to conveniently monitor their health status in real time on a daily basis.

[0077] (Offset component)

[0078] In this embodiment, a biasing member 13 may be provided within the housing 10 to obstruct the constraint member 22 when the transport assembly 20 moves from the proximal position to the distal position. In this case, when the transport assembly 20 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the constraint member 22 is obstructed by the biasing member 13 and disengages from the elastic arm 21. As a result, the convergence of the constraint member 22 to the elastic arm 21 can be released, thereby releasing the needle tip support 40 from the transport assembly 20.

[0079] In some examples, the bias member 13 can be arranged in a manner that is evenly distributed on the circumference, thereby improving the uniformity of the contact experienced by the constraint member 22.

[0080] In some examples, the biasing element 13 may be a protrusion arranged inside the housing 10, thereby simplifying the part structure.

[0081] In some examples, the number of bias members 13 may be three, but the number is not limited to this. The bias members 13 may be distributed in any number on the circumference to impede the movement of the constraint members 22.

[0082] In some examples, the biasing member 13 may have a receiving surface that receives one end of the first spring 30, thereby providing support for the elastic force of the first spring 30.

[0083] In some examples, the biasing element 13 and the housing 10 can be two connected parts.

[0084] In other examples, the bias member 13 and the housing 10 can be integrally molded, thereby reducing the number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the initial state of the pushing device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the push device 1 according to this embodiment when it completes the push.Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the tip 50 of the pushing device 1 according to this embodiment after it has retracted.

[0086] Combination Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 Further describing the usage process, in this embodiment, the user presses the touch member 11 to push the protrusion 23 away from the shoulder 12, thereby releasing the engagement of the housing 10 with the transport assembly 20. The transport assembly 20, pushed by the first spring 30, moves from a proximal position to a distal position. The analyte sensor 91 is inserted below the skin and into contact with tissue fluid via the needle tip 50, while the sensor control device 92 is attached to the skin surface. When the transport assembly 20 moves from the proximal position to the distal position, the bias member 13 on the housing 10 contacts the constraint member 22 and releases the constraint member 22 from the elastic arm 21, thereby releasing the constraint of the elastic arm 21 on the needle tip support 40. The needle tip support 40, pushed by the second spring 60, moves the needle tip 50 from the distal position to the proximal position, thus being pulled out from below the skin to the proximal position.

[0087] While the present invention has been specifically described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, it is to be understood that the above description does not limit the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can make modifications and variations to the present invention as needed without departing from the essential spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pushing device with a biasing element, the pushing device being used to push a medical device, characterized in that: The delivery device includes a housing, a delivery assembly, a needle tip support, and a biasing member; the housing has a distal surface close to the skin surface; the delivery assembly is configured to be movable between a proximal position away from the distal surface and a distal position close to the distal surface within the housing and includes at least two elastic arms engaging with the needle tip support, a ring-shaped constraint member for converging the at least two elastic arms, and a coupling member engaging with the medical device; the needle tip support is configured to be movable between a proximal position and a distal position within the housing; the biasing member is a protrusion evenly distributed circumferentially within the housing, the biasing member being disposed within the housing and obstructing the constraint member as the delivery assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position, causing the constraint member to disengage from the elastic arms; when the constraint member releases the at least two elastic arms, the at least two elastic arms are pushed outward, thereby causing the needle tip support to retract from the distal position to the proximal position.

2. The pushing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing can accommodate the transport component and provide a track for the transport component.

3. The pushing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling has a protrusion that holds the medical device in the housing, the protrusion engaging with a coupling groove of the medical device.

4. The pushing device as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The medical device includes an analyte sensor that is in contact with tissue fluid beneath the skin surface and a sensor control device placed on the skin, the connector also having an inner cavity that matches the shape of the sensor control device.

5. The pushing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The at least two elastic arms are disposed on the joint and extend in a direction from the distal position to the proximal position.

6. The pushing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a first spring disposed between the biasing member and the transport assembly, the first spring being configured to push the transport assembly from the proximal position to the distal position after the housing's engagement with the transport assembly is released; and the engagement of the coupling with the medical device is released when the transport assembly moves from the proximal position to the distal position; and / or It also includes a second spring disposed between the needle tip support and the transport assembly, the second spring being configured to push the needle tip support from the distal position back to the proximal position.

7. The pushing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The biasing member has a receiving surface that receives the first spring.

8. The pushing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transport assembly has a protrusion, and a contact element that interacts with the protrusion and a shoulder that can detach from the protrusion are provided on the side of the housing.

Images