Catheter Insertion Device Using Flexible Beam for Perpendicular Cannula Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch pumps face challenges in minimizing their height while effectively inserting a cannula perpendicular to the skin, which would increase the device's overall height and complexity, making it bulkier and more costly.
Innovation Solution
A catheter insertion device with a flexible beam and actuator button mechanism that allows for the simultaneous insertion and retraction of a soft catheter and introducer needle, minimizing the device's height by using a single operation to extend and retract the insertion components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cannula is inserted perpendicular to the skin, then user comfort is improved and complications are reduced, but the device height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a base, a movable holder for the cannula, and a flexible beam mechanism. This segmentation allows the insertion components to be separated from the main pump body, enabling perpendicular cannula insertion while keeping the pump height compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion mechanism utilizes a flexible beam that deflects in a lateral dimension rather than requiring vertical space. When the button is pressed, the beam deflects horizontally to push the cannula perpendicular to the skin, then returns to its original position, achieving perpendicular insertion without increasing device height.
2Reliability
If a complex insertion mechanism is used to insert cannula perpendicular to skin, then insertion effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible beam is pre-loaded with elastic energy and automatically returns to its initial position after deflecting, thereby automatically retracting the cannula holder after insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional motors or complex retraction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex motorized or mechanically-linked retraction systems with a simple elastic beam mechanism. The beam's natural elasticity provides both the insertion force and the retraction force, simplifying the overall mechanical system while maintaining reliable perpendicular insertion.
3Measurement precision
If multiple operations are used for insertion and retraction, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insertion and retraction operations into a single button press. Pressing the button deflects the flexible beam to insert the cannula, and releasing the button allows the beam to return and retract the cannula. This merging of operations simplifies user interaction while maintaining precise control through the beam's elastic properties.
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
Enables the insertion of a cannula close to perpendicular to the skin with reduced overall device height, enhancing user comfort and reducing complications, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible beam movably disposed within the housing... an actuator button movably connected to the housing and configured to flex the beam upon actuation
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter insertion device, including a housing having a base (504, 604, 704), a flexible beam (510, 610, 710) movably disposed within the housing, an insertion needle (514, 614) connected with the beam, and a holder (518, 618, 718) movably disposed within the housing and movably connected with the insertion needle. The device also includes a catheter (522, 622, 722) connected with the holder to displace therewith, the catheter surrounding at least a portion of the insertion needle, and an actuator button (502, 602, 702) movably connected to the housing and configured to flex the beam upon actuation, thereby displacing the insertion needle and the catheter to an extended position in which respective distal portions of the insertion needle and the catheter extend outside the housing through the base.