Compact Manual Cannula Insertion Aid with Adjustable Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual cannula insertion devices are cumbersome, prone to being forgotten, and difficult to handle, especially for patients who need to frequently replace cannula holders.

Innovation Solution

A compact manual insertion aid with jaws that form a receiving opening for engaging a cannula hub, allowing for easy handling and attachment to a key ring or zipper, featuring adjustable clearance and angled surfaces for secure engagement and guided insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional inserter device is used for cannula insertion, then the insertion function is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and prone to being forgotten due to its size and weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential functional elements from the traditional inserter device - specifically the jaws for gripping the cannula hub and the handle for manipulation. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on the core insertion function, the device is significantly reduced in size and weight, making it portable and less likely to be forgotten while maintaining its insertion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the jaws have large clearance for easy engagement, then the cannula hub can be easily engaged, but the gripping force is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of engagementVSAvoidgripping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable jaws that can dynamically adjust their position and clearance during the insertion process. The jaws start with sufficient clearance to easily engage the cannula hub, then can be closed together to apply gripping force during insertion, and finally opened to release the hub after insertion. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to optimize both ease of engagement and gripping force at different stages of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4137177A1Manual insertion aid and insertion aid system
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
  • EP4137177A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4137177A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4137177A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a manual insertion aid for inserting a cannula unit into a cannula holder. The manual insertion aid comprises a handle and two jaws projecting from the handle and forming a receiving opening that is configured for engaging with a cannula unit. In order to provide a simple and lightweight insertion aid, the minimum clearance between the two jaws is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and smaller than or equal to 7 mm, and wherein the maximum projecting length of each of the two jaws from the handle is greater than or equal to 4 mm and smaller than or equal to 18 mm.