Catheter Insertion Device with Detent Actuator and Needle Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch pumps face challenges in minimizing the overall height while inserting a cannula perpendicular to the skin, which increases the device's bulk and complexity, making it difficult to integrate an efficient and cost-effective insertion mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A catheter insertion device with a manually operated actuator that requires a predetermined force for deployment, featuring a detent mechanism to rapidly insert the cannula and automatically retract the insertion needle, minimizing the device's height and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cannula is inserted perpendicular to the skin to improve insertion efficiency and reduce complications, then the insertion speed and reliability are improved, but the device height increases making the patch pump bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion needle is nested within the catheter assembly, allowing the needle to be retracted into the catheter hub after use. This nesting mechanism enables the device to maintain a compact height while still accommodating the perpendicular insertion requirement, as the needle does not need to extend beyond the catheter assembly when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic insertion mechanism where the needle can extend perpendicular to the skin surface during insertion, then retract into the catheter hub afterward. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt its geometry - extending when needed for insertion, then collapsing to minimize height during storage and use.
2Ease of operation
If a manual actuator with detent mechanism is used to rapidly insert the cannula, then the ease of operation and insertion speed are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism on the actuator provides self-service functionality by automatically indicating when the catheter has been inserted to the correct depth. The detent engages with a corresponding feature in the catheter hub, providing tactile feedback and mechanical confirmation without requiring additional sensors or control systems. This self-verifying mechanism simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion needle is extracted from the continuous infusion pathway after use. The needle is separate and removable from the catheter hub, allowing it to be discarded independently. This extraction approach simplifies the device by separating the single-use insertion component from the reusable catheter and pump system, reducing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If the insertion needle is automatically retracted after cannula insertion, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The needle retraction function is merged with the catheter insertion mechanism. The same actuator that extends the needle for insertion also controls its retraction into the catheter hub. This merging of functions into a single integrated mechanism reduces the need for separate retraction systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable automatic needle retraction.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter insertion device (18) includes a housing (12) with a base (14), a catheter (28), an introducer needle (30) and an actuator (26) mounted within the housing. The catheter (28) and needle (30) are coupled to the actuator (26) and movable between a first position where the catheter and needle are retracted within the housing and a second position where the catheter and needle extend from the housing, and where the needle retracts into the actuator when the catheter and needle reach the second position. The actuator (26) has a detent (84) that engages a first recess (76) to require a predetermined force to depress the actuator (26) which is greater than the force necessary to slide the actuator (26) to the second position where the detent (84) engages a second recess (80) in the housing (12) to hold the actuator in the deployed position.