Blood Sampling Device Using Thermal Capillary Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood glucose monitoring systems using alternate sites face challenges such as insufficient blood sample volume and delayed glucose measurement due to weak blood flow and thicker skin, leading to noncompliance and inaccurate results, especially for diabetic patients who require frequent monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A blood sampling device that uses thermo-conductive members to cool and heat the skin, creating a blockage in capillaries to increase blood pressure and then heats the area post-piercing to boost blood flow, allowing for sufficient and timely blood sample collection from alternate sites, similar to fingertip sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blood sampling is performed from alternate sites (non-fingertip areas), then patient compliance improves and pain is reduced, but blood sample volume becomes insufficient and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal parameter changes by cooling the alternate site skin to constrict capillaries and increase blood pressure, then heating to expand capillaries and boost blood flow. This thermal parameter manipulation resolves the contradiction by ensuring sufficient blood sample volume and accurate glucose measurement from pain-free alternate sites, matching fingertip sampling quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of the alternate site skin before puncture to constrict capillaries and build up blood pressure. This preliminary action ensures that when blood is sampled, sufficient volume is obtained immediately, resolving the volume insufficiency problem that previously limited alternate site use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If blood sampling is performed from alternate sites, then pain is reduced, but blood flow is weak causing delayed glucose measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal parameter changes (cooling then heating) to manipulate capillary blood flow dynamics. Cooling constricts capillaries to increase pressure, then heating rapidly expands them to boost blood flow velocity. This resolves the time delay issue while maintaining the pain-free advantage of alternate sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic thermal action by first cooling the skin to constrict capillaries, then heating to expand them and accelerate blood flow. This periodic thermal stimulation creates optimal blood flow conditions rapidly, eliminating the lag time that previously made alternate sites unsuitable for real-time monitoring.
3Quantity of substance
If skin is cooled to constrict capillaries and increase blood pressure, then blood sample volume increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses brief periodic thermal pulses (cooling for a short duration to constrict capillaries, then heating to expand them) rather than continuous thermal application. This periodic approach achieves sufficient blood sample volume while minimizing energy consumption by limiting the duration of active cooling and heating phases.
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
The device enables pain-free and efficient blood sampling from alternate sites with volumes and accuracy comparable to fingertip methods, reducing lag time in glucose measurement and enhancing patient compliance by providing real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the skin to be punctured and furthermore to increase the inner pressure of the blood flow in capillaries located close to the puncture site by constricting the capillaries
Implementation Method 2
heating the skin target area which provides a boost to the blood flow ejected from the puncture site
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention discloses a blood sampling device including a thermo-conductive member configured to cool and heat a skin target area, a piercing system, including a piercing element configured to pierce the skin target area, and a piercing mechanism for extending and retracting the skin piercing element. There is further disclosed a blood sampling system including a blood sampling device and a blood test meter. A method for blood sampling and a method for blood monitoring are provided.