Dermal Patch Cartridge With Retracting Lancet for Safe Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining physiological samples are time-consuming and burdensome, and home-based solutions using needles pose safety risks due to improper disposal.
Innovation Solution
A dermal patch system with a lancet and cartridge that safely draws and stores physiological samples, featuring a lancet that automatically deploys and retracts needles, and a cartridge with a sample collection pad and vacuum mechanism to collect and retain the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle is used to draw physiological sample at home, then the sample collection can be done conveniently, but the risk of accidental injury increases due to improper disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable lancet with a single-use needle that is discarded after one use. The lancet is pre-packaged in a sterile state and disposed of in a designated sharps container after use, eliminating the risk of improper disposal and accidental injury from reuse. This disposable approach maintains home convenience while ensuring safety through proper waste containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cartridge as an intermediary device that receives the physiological sample from the lancet and provides a controlled environment for sample storage. The cartridge acts as a mediator between the needle and the final sample storage, allowing the needle to be contained and disposed of separately while the sample is safely transferred to a protected container.
2Measurement precision
If a standard syringe is used to obtain physiological sample, then the sample collection is accurate, but the process becomes time consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex syringe drawing mechanism and replaces it with a simplified lancet-based system. The lancet uses a rapid puncture and capillary action to draw the physiological sample directly into the cartridge, eliminating the need for manual syringe manipulation while maintaining sample collection accuracy through the designed sample well and collection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lancet and cartridge are pre-assembled as a ready-to-use system with the needle already positioned and the sample collection area prepared. The cartridge includes pre-formed channels and collection wells that guide the sample automatically upon puncture, eliminating the need for real-time manipulation during sample collection and reducing the overall process time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle aperture is made smaller to improve safety, then the risk of injury is reduced, but the sample flow may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different aperture sizes at different locations: a smaller needle aperture for safe skin puncture and a larger sample well opening for efficient sample collection. The cartridge structure includes strategically placed openings of appropriate sizes - the needle aperture is minimized for safety while the sample well and collection channels are optimized for adequate sample flow and capacity.
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 and efficient collection of physiological samples at home or in various environments, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring proper disposal of used needles.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum pin is configured to create a vacuum within the cartridge when moved from the undeployed position to the deployed position and the vacuum draws the drawn physiological sample from the physiological sample well to the sample collection pad
Implementation Method 2
a sample collection pad in open communication with the sloped physiological channel and configured to absorb the drawn physiological sample
Data Source
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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.