Applicator Arm Secures Implant During Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intradermal implant insertion devices face challenges in preventing premature implant expulsion and risk of damaging the implant during insertion, which can lead to complications.
Innovation Solution
The device features a cannula with a lateral opening and a rotatable, slidable, or flexible arm that secures the implant inside the cannula until insertion, avoiding direct pressure on the implant to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protrusions are used in the cannula lumen to secure the implant, then the implant is prevented from sliding out, but the implant is subjected to continuous pressing force and shearing force that can damage or fracture it
Solution Approach 1:
A retention member is introduced as an intermediary component between the implant and the cannula. This retention member engages with the implant to prevent premature expulsion while allowing the implant to be released cleanly during the insertion procedure, thereby avoiding direct damaging contact between the cannula protrusions and the implant surface
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is designed to be movable or adjustable, transitioning from a secured position that prevents implant expulsion to a released position that allows clean implant delivery. This dynamic behavior enables the system to provide retention when needed and eliminate restraint when the implant is ready for insertion
2Reliability
If a mechanism with a lever or protrusion is used to secure the implant, then premature implant expulsion is prevented, but the risk of breaking or damaging the implant increases due to pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member serves as a mediator that provides securing force without directly pressing on the implant body. It engages with specific features on the implant or uses a configuration that distributes forces away from critical implant areas, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct components (retention member, engagement features, release mechanism) that can independently perform their functions. This segmentation allows the retention member to secure the implant without requiring continuous pressing force, as the mechanical engagement provides stable retention
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
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AI summary
The invention relates to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant (50) under the skin of a patient. The applicator comprises a housing (10) containing a cannula (30) that is fixed to a cannula holder and is slidably received within said housing. The cannula comprises an aperture (32) at its distal end and a lateral opening (34). The implant is accommodated within the cannula and/or the cannula holder. A securing mechanism (40) retains the implant inside the cannula. This mechanism comprises an arm (42) configurable between a first position, which prevents the implant from exiting through the cannula's aperture, and a second position that enables the implant's placement under the skin through the aperture. Said lateral opening is situated between the aperture and the distal end of the implant. In the first arm position, the arm partially enters the lateral opening, thereby obstructing the implant from exiting through the aperture.