Expandable Socket Lancet Holder for Low-Force Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lancing devices face challenges such as high insertion force for lancet loading, risk of needle stick injuries during spent lancet removal, and complexity in design due to transverse wedging mechanisms, which complicate assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A lancing device design featuring a movably mounted lancet holder with an expandable socket and a lancet release element that allows for easy lancet loading and secure retention, along with a mechanism to prevent forward movement of the lancet holder during release, and a depth adjustment system using a cam track for angular movement instead of threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a push fit with detent action is used to retain the lancet, then the lancet can be securely held during operation, but significant insertion force is required to load the lancet
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed to be dynamically expandable and contractable. During loading, the socket expands to reduce insertion force requirements. During retention, the socket contracts to provide secure gripping force. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to address both low insertion force and secure retention needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket's physical state changes between expanded and contracted configurations. This parameter change in the socket's volume and shape allows it to transition from a low-resistance loading state to a high-grip retention state, resolving the contradiction between easy loading and secure holding.
2Reliability
If a transverse wedging action is used to expand the lancet holder, then the lancet can be retained securely, but the design complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a transverse wedge to expand the holder, the invention uses a longitudinal expansion mechanism where the socket walls move apart in the axial direction. This inversion of the expansion direction simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex transverse wedging actions while achieving the same retention capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed with separable wall sections that can move independently to expand and contract. This segmentation allows the expansion mechanism to be simpler and more manageable, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable lancet retention through the coordinated movement of these segments.
3Ease of operation
If a push rod arrangement is used to eject the spent lancet, then the lancet can be removed from the holder, but the risk of needle stick injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spent lancet is ejected through a passive gravity-assisted drop mechanism rather than active pushing. The socket expansion naturally releases the lancet, allowing it to fall out safely without requiring forceful ejection actions that could cause needle stick injuries. The system serves itself by using the expansion motion to automatically release the lancet.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of needing to push the lancet out is converted into a benefit by using the socket expansion itself as the ejection mechanism. The expansion motion that was already necessary for lancet removal is enhanced to also provide the ejection function, eliminating the need for separate pushing actions and reducing injury risk.
4Force
If the socket wall is made resilient to allow expansion, then lancet loading force is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The socket wall is designed with non-uniform properties - the portions that need to expand are made resilient and flexible, while other structural elements maintain high strength. This local differentiation allows the socket to expand easily for loading while maintaining overall structural integrity and strength where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket may utilize composite construction combining resilient materials in specific regions with stronger structural materials. This composite approach allows the socket to exhibit both flexible expansion behavior for low-force loading and high strength for maintaining structural integrity during operation.
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
The design reduces the complexity of assembly, minimizes the risk of needle stick injuries, and allows for intuitive operation with reduced force requirements, while providing secure lancet retention and adjustable penetration depth.
Implementation Method 1
said socket is defined by a generally cylindrical wall of resilient material having a slot therein to allow resilient expansion and/or contraction
Implementation Method 2
said release element having respective cam surfaces cooperating with said abutment whereby movement of the release element in a direction generally parallel to the lancing direction causes movement of the socket between its lancet retaining condition and its expanded condition
Data Source
AI summary
A lancing device includes a housing (10, 12) and a lancet holder movably mounted within the housing. The lancet holder has a forward portion defining a socket (30) for partially surrounding and retaining in use the rear portion of a lancet. A lancet release element (40, 42) can be moved forward to cooperate with lugs on the socket to expand it to allow insertion and/or removal of the lancet with minimal insertion or withdrawal force.