Spring-Loaded Cannula Insertion Device With Retractable Penetrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cannula insertion devices for subcutaneous medication delivery and analyte monitoring are often painful, require skill, and can lead to misplacement or obstruction, posing risks, especially for diabetes patients using insulin pumps.
Innovation Solution
A device with a spring-loaded mechanism for automatic or manual insertion of a cannula or sensor, featuring a safety mechanism to prevent accidental insertion, a retractable penetrating member, and a well assembly for precise alignment and sealing, allowing insertion at any angle and depth, with options for reusable or disposable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cannula insertion is performed by the patient, then the patient can self-administer the device, but the insertion is painful and requires considerable skill leading to misplacement or obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic insertion device as an intermediary between the patient and the cannula. This device includes a penetrating member that automatically inserts the cannula into the subcutaneous tissue at the correct angle and depth, eliminating the need for manual insertion by the patient while ensuring accurate and reliable placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion process with an automated mechanical system. The automatic insertion device uses a controlled mechanical mechanism to deliver the cannula, substituting the patient's manual dexterity with a precision-engineered device that ensures consistent and accurate insertion.
2Reliability
If automatic infusion set inserters with spring-loaded plungers are used, then correct placement is assured, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring-loaded mechanism from the main pump housing and integrates it into a separate, dedicated insertion device. This allows the pump to remain lightweight and compact while the insertion device contains the necessary spring mechanism for automatic cannula delivery, separating the functions to optimize both weight and reliability.
3Device complexity
If the penetrating member remains in the body after insertion, then the structure is simple, but it causes pain and increases risk of obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insertion system into two distinct components: a penetrating member for initial skin penetration and a cannula for sustained medication delivery. The penetrating member is temporarily inserted, delivers the cannula into position, and is then removed, leaving only the soft cannula in place. This segmentation reduces patient discomfort and obstruction risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Facilitates safe, precise, and comfortable cannula insertion with reduced risk of misplacement, enabling reliable delivery of medication or monitoring of analytes, while minimizing user discomfort and skill requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The insertion device is provided with a spring-loaded mechanism for automatic or manual insertion of a cannula or sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An insertion device (100) for a fluid delivery device (105) for delivering a therapeutic fluid to a body of a patient and/or for sensing of a bodily analyte is disclosed. The insertion device includes a housing and accomodated therein at least one penetrating cartridge (150) provided with a penetrating member and with a subcutaneously insertable element; The insertion device is provided with a displacement mechanism which upon actuation is capable of protracting the penetrating cartridge towards the said device for delivery and/or sensing, wherein said protracting results in inserting of the penetrating cartridge into subcutaneous compartment of the body via an opening provided at the said device for delivery and/or sensing and said insertion device allows evacuation of the penetrating member from the subcutaneous compartment via the said opening.