Finger-Activated Lancet Device With Cantilever Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple, inexpensive, reliable, and disposable medical puncturing device that ensures sterility before use and safe and secure disposal after use, while minimizing user discomfort and preventing reuse.

Innovation Solution

A lancet device with a housing and a cantilever spring mechanism that pivots the lancet between retracted and extended positions, using an actuator to engage and release the spring for puncturing and retracting, with a protective cover to maintain sterility and prevent reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a hand-held needle or blade is used for puncturing, then the device is simple and inexpensive, but it causes psychological discomfort and difficulty for users to prick their own finger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lancet device enables the patient to perform the blood collection procedure on themselves through a simple finger press action. The device is designed to be self-operating, where the patient's own action triggers the lancet deployment and retraction mechanism, making the procedure easier and more acceptable for self-monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual operation of holding and controlling a needle or blade is replaced by an automatic mechanical system. When the patient presses their finger against the device, a spring-loaded mechanism automatically deploys the lancet, performs the puncture, and retracts it, eliminating the need for the user to manually control a sharp instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a spring-loaded automatic lancet device is used, then user comfort is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple components and metal coil springs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and the spring mechanism are integrated into a single unit, eliminating the need for separate components. The spring is embedded within the housing structure, and the lancet is directly attached to the spring assembly, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the automatic operation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes a flexible membrane or thin-walled structure that incorporates the spring mechanism. This allows the spring to be integrated into the housing without requiring separate metal coil spring components, reducing complexity while maintaining the mechanical functionality of automatic lancet deployment and retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the lancet is kept exposed for easy access, then the device is easier to operate, but the risk of contamination and accidental wounding increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lancet is pre-loaded and pre-positioned within the housing in a ready-to-use state, but it remains enclosed and protected until the moment of activation. The spring mechanism pre-loads the lancet into position, and the housing maintains sterility and safety until the patient presses their finger against the device, at which point the lancet automatically deploys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the lancet and the external environment. It protects the lancet from contamination while maintaining readiness for use, and controls the exposure of the lancet only when and where needed during the puncture operation, thereby eliminating both contamination risk and accidental wounding risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective means for obtaining blood samples with minimal user discomfort and ensures the lancet is used only once, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible member, such as a cantilever spring, extending within the housing... The flexible member is adapted to pivot the lancet structure between a retracted position and an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1868501B1Finger activated lancet device

Publication Date: 2015.10.14 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

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AI summary

A lancet device includes a housing with a cantilever spring extending therein and defining a lancet having a puncturing end on the cantilever spring. An actuator extends within the housing through an opening at the forward end. The actuator includes an interfering engagement with the cantilever spring. Movement of the actuator into the housing through the forward end pivots the cantilever spring against its relaxed condition and then releases the engagement with the cantilever spring, thereby permitting the cantilever spring to pivot the lancet structure to an extended position with the puncturing end extending through the forward opening, and to return to the relaxed condition retracting the puncturing end back within the housing.