Cam-Actuated Medical Puncturing Device with Spring-Driven Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a medical puncturing device that ensures sterility before use and safe, secure disposal after use, while also being simple, inexpensive, reliable, self-activating, and disposable for consistent and controlled blood sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A medical puncturing device with a housing, shield, and skin puncturing assembly, featuring drive and retraction springs, flexure members, and a carrier that moves from a retracted to a puncturing position upon release, ensuring the skin puncturing element is safely contained within the shield after use, with a removable protector cap for sterility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded automatic puncturing device is used, then the puncturing action is automated and consistent, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the puncturing element, drive spring, retraction spring, and shielding mechanism into a single integrated lancet assembly that fits within a compact housing. The flexure member integrates multiple functions including carrier retention, shield engagement, and camming action into one flexible component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lancet assembly is nested within the housing, with the carrier containing the puncturing element, the shield containing the carrier, and the flexure member providing both structural support and mechanical function. This nested arrangement automates the puncturing action through pre-compressed springs while minimizing the device's external dimensions and component count.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the puncturing element is automatically ejected and retracted, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction spring is pre-compressed during assembly to store energy for the retraction action. The flexure member is pre-formed with camming surfaces that will automatically engage the shield during operation. This preliminary preparation of opposing forces (ejection and retraction) ensures safe automatic operation without requiring complex control systems or multiple separate mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for single use with safety features, then sterility and safety are ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entire lancet assembly including housing, shield, carrier, and flexure member is designed as a disposable unit that can be sterilized as a complete assembly. The integrated design allows the puncturing element to remain shielded and sterile until use, with automatic ejection and retraction features built into the single-use structure. This eliminates the need for complex reusable components requiring separate sterilization and maintenance procedures.
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 provides a reliable, self-activating, and disposable solution for consistent blood sample collection, ensuring sterility before use and safe disposal, while preventing accidental reuse and maintaining user safety.
Implementation Method 1
A drive spring is disposed within the housing and is generally adapted to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position upon release of the at least one flexure member from the carrier
Implementation Method 2
A retraction spring is disposed within the shield and is generally adapted to return the carrier to a position within the housing wherein the shield encompasses the skin puncturing element after the carrier reaches the puncturing position
Implementation Method 3
At least one flexure member extends internally in the housing... The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of the at least one flexure member with the carrier... upon release of the at least one flexure member from the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The medical puncturing device includes a housing (12), a shield (13), and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the skin puncturing element is adapted for puncturing the skin of a patient. The carrier is movable from a retracted position wherein the skin puncturing element is disposed within the shield to a puncturing position wherein the distal end of the skin puncturing element is exposed. The carrier is maintained in the retracted position by engagement of flexure members or a retaining tab with the carrier. A drive spring is provided to move the carrier from the retracted position to the puncturing position. A retraction spring is provided to return the carrier and skin puncturing element into the housing.