Safety blood lancet
By eliminating the metal spring through the design of flexible actuators and hinge mechanisms, a safe blood collection needle is achieved with low cost, high efficiency, and rapid retraction. This solves the problem of balancing high cost and comfort in existing technologies, and improves safety and patient experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202580024970.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-27
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing safe blood collection needles, the use of metal springs leads to high manufacturing and recycling costs, and makes it difficult to balance the conflict between needle force and patient comfort.
It employs flexible actuators and articulation mechanisms, and accumulates bending force through flexible force elements, so that the puncture force is provided by the blood collection needle body, eliminating the need for metal springs. Combined with a locking mechanism, it ensures rapid and safe retraction after puncture.
It reduces manufacturing costs, decreases the risk of blood contamination, alleviates patient pain, and improves safety and post-use handling.
Smart Images
Figure CN123036054A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to a safe blood collection needle for collecting blood samples from a patient's finger. Background Technology
[0002] Blood collection needles are widely used when blood samples need to be collected from patients. These needles involve puncturing or inserting a puncture element into the fingertip to collect a drop of blood. To minimize the risk of contamination from blood on the needle tip, so-called safety needles have been developed and are now standard equipment in healthcare.
[0003] Safety lancets incorporate various mechanisms that retract the needle into its body after puncture. This conceals the needle after use, minimizing the risk of accidental puncture. The lancet is then disposed of in a safety case or sharps container. Furthermore, the mechanisms of safety lancets are typically designed to rapidly advance the needle for puncture upon activation, reducing pain for the patient. Many safety lancets on the market include a mechanism that incorporates a metal spring to provide the puncture force.
[0004] One drawback of using a metal spring is that the force is supplied to the needle solely by the metal spring, and when selecting the spring force, a balance must be struck between providing sufficient puncture force for different skin thicknesses and avoiding applying excessive force that may cause patient discomfort or result in inconsistent puncture depths. Furthermore, using a metal spring increases manufacturing costs and recycling costs.
[0005] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in this technical field. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this application is to improve the design and function of a safety blood collection needle. This purpose is achieved by a safety blood collection needle having the features described in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the safety blood collection needle constitute the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0007] According to one aspect, a safe blood collection needle is provided, comprising: a blood collection needle body having a support surface for contacting a puncture site during use, wherein the support surface has a channel; a hinge mechanism disposed in the blood collection needle body; a carrier including a puncture element and connected to the hinge mechanism, and capable of linear movement along a first axis between a first position in which the puncture element is located within the blood collection needle body and a second position in which the puncture element protrudes through the channel; an elongated flexible actuator having one end connected to the blood collection needle body in a proximal direction, and the free end of the actuator resting on a flexible force element, wherein in the first position, the flexible force element (48) is positioned adjacent to the hinge mechanism; and a trigger operatively connected to the actuator, the trigger being manually movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
[0008] During operation, manual movement of the trigger along the second axis will cause the free end of the flexible actuator to move along the force element and bias the force element, thereby pushing the actuator in the distal direction and accumulating force in the actuator until the manual movement of the trigger pushes the free end of the actuator away from the force element. The free end of the actuator will then impact the hinge mechanism, and through the force of the actuator, the carrier and the puncture element will move rapidly in the proximal direction to the second position and perform puncture.
[0009] In this design, the puncture force is generated by a flexible force element within the lancet body. Therefore, no additional metal springs or other components are required, resulting in a cost-effective and functional solution. Due to the accumulation of bending force and the sudden release of the actuator, which then impacts the carrier, the puncture motion is extremely rapid, on the order of milliseconds, thus reducing pain or discomfort experienced by the patient.
[0010] According to another aspect, the articulation mechanism can be offset in the distal direction in the first position, and further manual movement of the trigger can move the actuator to disengage from the articulation mechanism, thereby moving the carrier and the puncture element back to the first position.
[0011] This is also advantageous because the puncture element retracts rapidly after puncture due to the biased nature of the articulation mechanism and the actuator's release of the articulation mechanism within a very short time after puncture. Furthermore, the retraction of the carrier and puncture element into the safety lancet body reduces the risk of accidental contact with the puncture element, thereby reducing the risk of blood contamination.
[0012] To ensure proper and predictable puncture by the puncture element, the blood collection needle body may also include a guide surface that is generally parallel to the first axis, and wherein the side surface of the carrier can move in contact with the guide surface to guide the carrier along the first axis during puncture.
[0013] As another advantageous feature regarding puncture speed, bending force can also be accumulated in the actuator during movement along the force element. Therefore, force is accumulated in both the actuator and the force element. In this respect, the force element may include a flexible tongue.
[0014] To further reduce the risk of accidental contact with the puncture element, the safety blood collection needle may also include a first locking element disposed on the actuator and a second locking element disposed on the body of the blood collection needle. The first locking element and the second locking element cooperate with each other to lock the actuator after the actuator has moved to disengage from the hinge mechanism.
[0015] Regarding the accumulation of bending force in the actuator, the trigger or actuator may also include a support element, which may be configured to contact the actuator or trigger during movement and bending of the actuator. In this regard, the support element may include an arcuate contact surface.
[0016] These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0017] In the following detailed description of the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the safety blood collection needle;
[0019] Figures 2-5 yes Figure 1 Side views of the safety blood collection needle in different operating positions;
[0020] Figures 6-7 This is a side view of a second embodiment of the safety blood collection needle;
[0021] Figures 8-9 This is a side view of a third embodiment of the safety blood collection needle;
[0022] Figures 10-11 This is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the safety blood collection needle;
[0023] Figures 12-15 This is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the safety blood collection needle; and
[0024] Figure 16 It is taken from Figure 14 Detailed images. Detailed Implementation
[0025] In the following detailed description, certain directional terms will be used, defined as follows: "Proximal" refers to the puncture site located or facing the patient or user, while "distal" indicates the opposite direction. "Upper" refers to the orientation of the safety lancet during normal use, while "lower" indicates the opposite orientation. "Outer" refers to the exterior of the safety lancet, while "inner" refers to the interior of the safety lancet.
[0026] The safety lancet 10 shown in the attached figure includes a lancet body 12. The lancet body 12 includes a proximal contact element 14 having an arcuate contact surface. A central channel 16 is provided in the contact element 14. Integral to the contact element 14 is a first wall or first portion 18 extending distally. An element 20, such as a rib as shown in the attached figure, is provided on the upper outer region of the first portion 18. The first portion 18 transitions to an upper, generally arcuate portion 22. At the transition between the first portion 18 and the upper portion 22, a material thinning portion 24 is provided to provide a movable hinge, which will be described below. The upper portion 22 then transitions to a second wall portion 26 extending proximally and having a free end with an outwardly extending protrusion or tongue 27, which will serve as a first locking element, as described below. The second portion 26 will be referred to below as a trigger. An element 28 for enhancing grip is also provided on the outer region of the trigger 26. The third part 30 extends distally from the contact element 14 toward the trigger element 26. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the aforementioned portions 18 and 26 have a width that provides a good grip and operation for safe blood collection needles.
[0027] The hinge mechanism 32 is attached to or integrally formed with the inner surface of the third portion 30. The hinge mechanism 32 includes a first hinge segment 34 in the form of an arm, extending distally from the inner surface of the third portion 30 and inclined relative to a first axis X1 extending in a proximal-distal direction. The first hinge segment 34 may have a material thinning portion 36 at its connection with the third portion 30, thereby providing a movable hinge function. A second hinge segment 38 is provided at the inner end of the first hinge segment 34, extending proximally and also inclined relative to the first axis X1. Furthermore, the first hinge segment 34 extends slightly inward to form a first locking protrusion 39, which will be described below. A carrier member 40 is provided at the free end of the second hinge segment 38. The carrier member 40 is further provided with a piercing element 42, such as... Figure 3As shown, the puncture element 42, for example, is a needle or blade as illustrated, extending proximally from the carrier 40 and having a pointed tip. Initially, the puncture element 42 is covered by a shield 43 and kept sterile. The carrier 40 is provided with a straight side surface 44, the orientation of which is substantially aligned with the direction of the first axis X1. Furthermore, a straight guide surface 46 with the same orientation is also provided in the inner region of the third portion 30 adjacent to the carrier 40.
[0028] Distal to the first hinge section 34, a force element 48 extends from the inner surface of the third portion 30, with an inclination approximately the same as that of the first hinge section 34. The force element 48 is in the form of a flexible tongue. Furthermore, an actuator 50, in the form of an elongated flexible arm, extends proximally from the transition region between the upper portion 22 and the trigger 26, and is located inside the trigger 26. The actuator 50 has a free end 52, which is provided with a second locking protrusion extending distally and inclined relative to the axis X1. In the initial, untriggered state of the safety lancet, the free end 52 of the actuator 50 is located distal to and adjacent to the attachment point between the force element 48 and the third portion 30. A support element 54 may also be provided on the inner surface of the trigger 26. Figures 1-5 In the embodiment shown, the support element 54 is in the form of an elongated protrusion with an arcuate edge facing the actuator 50.
[0029] The safety lancet is intended for use as follows. Upon delivery to the user, whether the user is a patient or a healthcare worker, the orientation and position of the aforementioned components should be as follows: Figure 2 As shown. Upon delivery, the puncture element 42 is protected by a shield 43 to ensure its sterility before use. To use the safety device, remove the shield 43. Figure 3 The user holds the safety lancet 10 by pressing the contact element 14 against the puncture site, preferably the fingertip, in the upper region where the grip-enhancing elements 20 and 28 are located. The correct puncture position is achieved due to the arcuate contact surface of the contact element 14. The user then presses the trigger 26 inward along the second axis X2, approximately perpendicular to the first axis X1. This causes the arcuate surface of the support element 54 to contact the actuator 50, causing the actuator 50 to bend. Further movement will cause the free end 52 of the actuator 50 to move inward along the distal surface of the force element 48, such as... Figure 3 As shown, this further causes the force element 48 to be biased toward the proximal side and generates a bending force in the force element 48.
[0030] The bending force will act on the actuator 50 and, with the assistance of the movable hinge 24 between the first part 18 and the upper part 22, force the actuator 50 to move distally. Furthermore, this will cause a buildup of bending force in the actuator 50, specifically from the support element 54. Therefore, force is accumulated in the actuator 50 of the safety lancet 10. Further movement at this point will cause the free end 52 of the actuator 50 to abruptly separate from the force element 48, thereby releasing the actuator 50. Due to the accumulated force, the actuator 50, along with its free end 52, will move rapidly in the proximal direction and strike the first hinge segment 34 (…). Figure 4 This will cause the hinge mechanism 32 to rapidly move the carrier 40 proximally and puncture through the tip of the puncture element 42. During this proximal movement, the side surface 44 of the carrier 40 and the guide surface 46 of the third part 30 will guide the carrier 40 to move linearly proximally during puncture, thereby ensuring the correct puncture direction of the puncture element 42 along the first axis X1. Furthermore, since the actuator 50... Figure 4 The cam-like mechanism acts on the articulation mechanism, thus ensuring a precise and consistent puncture depth regardless of the patient's skin thickness at the puncture site.
[0031] As the actuator 50 moves further inward during operation, its free end 52 will move until it disengages from the first hinge segment 34 of the hinge mechanism 32. Figure 5 Furthermore, due to the offset characteristic of the hinge mechanism in the distal direction, the carrier 40, together with its puncture element 42, will move distally from the puncture site and into the safety lancet, thereby preventing any accidental contact and possible injury when the safety lancet is removed. To further reduce the risk of accidental contact, the tongue 27 of the trigger 26 will pass over the free end of the force element 48, and when the user releases their grip, the trigger 26 will be offset outward, so that the tongue 27 is located near the force element 48, at which point the force element 48 acts as a second locking element. Thus, the trigger 26 is locked in the lateral direction along axis X2, and the actuator 50 is also locked, locked between the support element 54 and the inner wall of the first part 18, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. Furthermore, the second locking protrusion 52 engages with the first locking protrusion 39 to hold the carrier 40 in the retracted position. Thus, the carrier 40 cannot be moved again by any human manipulation, thereby ensuring the puncture element 42 is securely within the safety lancet. To further prevent human manipulation and / or reuse of the safety lancet, the material thickness and type of the movable hinge 24 between the first portion 18 and the upper portion 22 can be selected such that, after the safety lancet has been used and locked, any further attempt to manipulate it will cause the movable hinge 24 to break.
[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of the safety blood collection needle is shown. Most of the components and their functions are the same as in the previous embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed further. However, this embodiment is provided with a support element 60, which is disposed on the actuator 50 and located approximately midway between the attachment end and the free end. The support element 60 may be a protrusion or tongue extending toward the inner surface of the trigger 26. In addition, the actuator 50 may be provided with a first locking element 62 for engaging with a second locking element 64 disposed on the inner surface of the first portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking element 62 and the second locking element 64 are in the form of protruding tabs capable of engaging with each other. Thus, when the actuator 50 has been pressed inward so that its free end has passed the hinge mechanism 32, and the carrier 40 and the puncture element 42 have been retracted as described above ( Figure 7 The first locking element 62 and the second locking element 64 engage with each other to lock the actuator 50. Thus, after the operation is completed, the actuator 50 cannot be moved back or forcibly moved back to act on the hinge mechanism 32. As a further safety measure, the movable hinge 24 between the first portion 18 and the upper portion 22 can be designed such that any further human manipulation of the safety lancet will cause the movable hinge 24 to break, rendering the safety lancet unusable for subsequent applications.
[0033] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A third embodiment is shown. Most components and their functions are the same as in the previous embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed further. However, this embodiment does not have a support element, but instead has a trigger 26, the lower part of which is angled outward to form a prominent contact point 70 facing inward. When the trigger 26 is operated as described above, the contact point 70 will contact the actuator 50 and cause... Figure 9 The bending motion shown.
[0034] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The fourth embodiment is shown. Most of the components and their functions are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed further. As a further security feature to prevent tampering with the device in use and thereby prevent harm, the body 12 of the device is provided with a protrusion or "ear" 80. When the device has been used and the actuator 50 has been moved and locked by its locking protrusion 52 engaging with the first locking protrusion 39 ( Figure 11 The actuator 50 is located between the two protrusions 80. Therefore, the protrusions 80 prevent the actuator 50 from being pushed to the side or bent and disengaged from the locking engagement, thereby reducing the risk of tampering with the safety lancet.
[0035] Figures 12 to 16The fifth embodiment is shown. Most components and their functions are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be discussed further. As another security feature to prevent tampering with the already used device and thus prevent harm, the first portion 18 of the body 12 is provided with an elongated rectangular channel 90. Figure 10 As shown, a planar side surface 92 is provided on each side of the channel. Furthermore, two inwardly extending elements 94 are attached to the inner surface of the actuator 50, or the two inwardly extending elements 94 are integrally formed with the inner surface. The free end of each element 94 is provided with a laterally extending protrusion 96, which extends in opposite directions. Each protrusion is provided with an inclined surface 97 and a planar surface 98, which combine to form a hook portion 100.
[0036] The operation of the safety lancet 10 according to the fifth embodiment is very similar to that of the foregoing embodiments, and therefore will not be described in detail. However, when the user has pressed the trigger 26 inward, and thereby pressed the actuator 50 inward, thus triggering the safety lancet, the inclined surface 97 of the hook 100 contacts the side edge of the rectangular channel 90 and will flex to allow the protrusions 94 of the hook 100 to pass through the channel 90. When the protrusions 94 have passed through the channel 90, these protrusions will flex back to their initial position, thereby causing the planar surface 98 of the hook 100 to abut against the planar side surface 92 on each side of the channel 90. Figure 16 Because these planar surfaces are slightly recessed relative to the outer surface of the first portion 18, the hook portion 100 does not protrude from the outer surface of the first portion 18. Therefore, the hook portion 1000 locks the actuator 50 in this position, thereby preventing any human manipulation of the safety lancet and thus improving the safety of personnel handling the safety lancet after use. Because the hook portion 100 does not protrude, it is difficult to attempt to manipulate these hooks and move them out of engagement.
[0037] The safety blood collection needle according to the invention is preferably made of a single piece of plastic material such as POM. Preferably, the safety blood collection needle is manufactured by injection molding. In this respect, if two cavities are used, the needle can be held in one half of the cavity by a magnet.
[0038] It should be understood that the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings should be considered as non-limiting examples of the present invention, and the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A safety blood collection needle (10), comprising: - Blood collection needle body (12), the blood collection needle body (12) is provided with a contact element (14), the contact element (14) is provided with a contact surface for contacting the puncture site during use, wherein the contact element (14) is provided with a channel (16); - A hinge mechanism (32) is provided on the blood collection needle body (12); - A carrier (40) including a puncture element (42) and connected to the hinge mechanism (32), and capable of linear movement along a first axis (X1) between a first position in which the puncture element is located within the blood collection needle body and a second position in which the puncture element (42) protrudes through the channel (16); - A slender flexible actuator (50), one end of which extends in the proximal direction is connected to the blood collection needle body (12), and the free end (52) of the actuator (50) rests on a flexible force element (48), in the first position, the flexible force element (48) is positioned adjacent to the hinge mechanism (32). - A trigger (26) operatively connected to the actuator (50), the trigger (26) being manually movable along a second axis (X2) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (X1); The manual movement of the trigger (26) along the second axis (X2) will cause the free end (52) of the flexible actuator (50) to move along the force element (48) and bias the force element (48), thereby pushing the actuator (50) in the distal direction and accumulating force in the actuator (50) until the manual movement of the trigger (26) pushes the free end (52) of the actuator (50) away from the force element (48). The free end (52) of the actuator (50) will impact the hinge mechanism (32), and through the force of the actuator, the bearing (40) and the puncture element (42) will move rapidly in the proximal direction to the second position and perform puncture.
2. The safety blood collection needle according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge mechanism (32) is offset in the distal direction at the first position, and wherein further manual movement of the trigger (26) will move the actuator (50) to disengage from the hinge mechanism (32), thereby moving the carrier (40) and the puncture element (42) back to the first position.
3. The safety blood collection needle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The blood collection needle body (12) further includes a guide surface (46) that is substantially parallel to the first axis (X1), and wherein the side surface (44) of the carrier (40) moves in contact with the guide surface (46) to guide the carrier (40) to move along the first axis (X1) during puncture.
4. The safety blood collection needle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, During movement along the force element (48), bending force is also accumulated in the actuator (50).
5. The safety blood collection needle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The force element (48) includes a flexible tongue.
6. The safety blood collection needle according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a first locking element (27, 62) disposed on the trigger (26) or the actuator (50) and a second locking element (48, 64) disposed on the body of the blood collection needle, the first locking element (27, 62) and the second locking element (48, 64) cooperating with each other to lock the actuator (50) after the actuator (50) has moved to disengage from the hinge mechanism.
7. The safety blood collection needle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The trigger (26) or the actuator (50) further includes support elements (54, 60) configured to contact the trigger (26) or the actuator (50) during movement and bending of the actuator (50).
8. The safety blood collection needle according to claim 7, wherein, The support element (54) includes an arcuate contact surface.