Double-Blind Acupuncture Needle Guide for Consistent Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acupuncture studies lack a reliable double-blind method that masks both the operator and the subject from knowing whether a needle is real or sham, leading to potential bias in treatment effect verification.
Innovation Solution
An acupuncture set designed for double-blind tests, featuring a support member, filling member, guide member, and moving member that guide the needle body to consistent start and end positions, with elastic properties to mimic skin tissue and conceal the needle's identity, and optional electrical stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-blind method is used where only the subject is masked, then the subject cannot distinguish real from sham needle, but the operator can still distinguish and may transmit expectation or enthusiasm to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The acupuncture needle is divided into distinct segments: a visible portion and a concealed portion. The concealed portion includes a guide member with guide protrusions that interact with a moving member, creating a mechanical distinction between real and sham needles that only the operator can perceive, while the subject sees only the visible portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the needle insertion process. The guide protrusions on the guide member interact with the moving member to control needle insertion depth and position, providing the operator with tactile feedback without revealing the needle type to the subject.
2Ease of operation
If the operator can distinguish real from sham needle, then the operator can control the acupuncture procedure, but the operator's expectation or enthusiasm may be transmitted to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the needle system have different properties: the visible portion is identical for real and sham needles, while the concealed portion contains the guide member with guide protrusions that provide operator control. This local differentiation allows operator control without compromising double-blind validity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle insertion depth is not controlled, then the acupuncture procedure is flexible, but the reliability of treatment effect verification is reduced due to variable penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The guide protrusions are pre-positioned on the guide member at specific depths. The moving member is designed to engage with these guide protrusions, automatically controlling the needle insertion depth before the actual acupuncture treatment begins. This preliminary positioning ensures consistent depth while maintaining procedural flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures consistent needle insertion depth and concealment of needle type, enhancing the reliability of acupuncture treatment effect verification by preventing operator and subject differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic plate formed to have elasticity similar to the human skin tissue inside to penetrate an elastic plate during a procedure
Data Source
AI summary
An acupuncture set for double-blind tests includes a support member whose one surface is in contact with skin of a subject and in which a through hole is formed in a vertical direction, a filling member coupled in a through hole of the support member and provided in a pipe shape with one side shielded, a hollow guide member, wherein a portion of a lower part of the hollow guide member is combined to a through hole of the support member and first guide protrusions protrude from an inside of the hollow guide member, and a moving member configured to move in a vertical direction within the guide member in a state of being combined with a needle body.