Dermal Patch With Retractable Lancet and Sloped Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining physiological samples are cumbersome and often require subjects to visit diagnostic labs, and at-home solutions using needles can lead to accidental injuries due to improper disposal.
Innovation Solution
A dermal patch system comprising a lancet and a cartridge with a physiological sample well, sloped channel, and sample collection pad, where the lancet automatically deploys and retracts needles to draw and store samples, and a vacuum pin ensures sample collection without needle exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard syringe is used by a medical professional in a diagnostic lab, then the physiological sample can be obtained, but the process is time consuming and burdensome to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the subject to collect their own physiological sample at home using a dermal patch with an integrated lancet and collection pad, eliminating the need to travel to a diagnostic lab and be served by a medical professional. The subject simply applies the patch and activates the lancet to draw the sample directly into the collection pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The lancet is pre-loaded into the cartridge in a ready-to-use configuration, and the collection pad is pre-positioned to receive the sample. When the subject applies the patch and activates the lancet, the entire sample collection process occurs immediately without requiring travel to a lab or waiting for a medical professional.
2Ease of operation
If a needle is used for at-home sample collection, then the subject can collect the sample independently, but the needle may not be properly disposed of which may result in accidental injury
Solution Approach 1:
The lancet, cartridge, and collection pad are merged into a single integrated dermal patch device. The lancet is housed within the cartridge and automatically retracts into a protective sheath after use, eliminating the need for separate needle disposal and reducing the risk of accidental injury from improper needle handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire dermal patch device including the lancet and collection pad is designed as a single-use disposable unit. After the sample is collected, the entire device is discarded, eliminating the need for complex needle disposal procedures and reducing the risk of accidental injury from reused or improperly disposed needles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lancet with retractable needles is used, then the risk of injury is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lancet retraction mechanism is replaced with an automated mechanical system where the lancet retracting spring automatically pulls the lancet back into the cartridge housing after sample collection. This eliminates the need for manual retraction operations and simplifies the user interface while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective sheath acts as an intermediary element between the lancet and the external environment. The sheath covers the lancet during storage and transport, and automatically retracts to expose the lancet when needed, then re-covers it after use. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall design by providing automatic protection without requiring complex user actions.
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 safe and efficient collection of physiological samples at home or in various environments, reducing the risk of injury and improving convenience while maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a sample collection pad in open communication with the sloped physiological channel and configured to absorb the drawn physiological sample
Implementation Method 2
a desiccant disposed within the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting a physiological sample from a subject includes a lancet configured to draw a physiological sample and a cartridge configured to be affixed to the subject's skin. The cartridge includes a physiological sample well, a sloped physiological sample channel in open communication with the physiological sample well and a sample collection pad in in open communication with the sloped physiological channel and configured to absorb the drawn physiological sample. The physiological sample well is configured to retain the drawn physiological sample and the sloped physiological channel is configured to carry the drawn physiological sample from the physiological sample to the sample collection pad.