Fluid Collection Device with Retractable Needle and Vacuum Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining blood or other fluids from subjects, such as phlebotomy, require sophisticated equipment and training, making them complex and difficult to perform in non-medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow activator and vacuum source that allows for the deployment and retraction of needles to pierce the skin, enabling the collection of fluids through a mechanism that includes a deployment actuator and retraction actuator, facilitating easier and more accessible fluid collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phlebotomy methods are used to obtain blood or fluids, then reliable fluid collection is achieved, but the device complexity and training requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flow activator is nested within the fluid transporter housing, with the needle retracted into the housing when not in use. This nesting approach integrates multiple functions (fluid collection, needle storage, vacuum activation) into a single compact device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single unit: the flow activator serves both as a piercing element and a fluid release mechanism, the vacuum source provides both suction for fluid collection and activation force for the flow activator, and the housing serves as both structural support and fluid collection chamber
2Measurement precision
If traditional phlebotomy equipment is used, then accurate fluid collection is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to sophisticated training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-activation through vacuum generation. When the flow activator pierces the skin and fluid enters the housing, the accumulated fluid automatically activates the vacuum source, which then draws additional fluid through the flow activator without requiring manual operation or complex timing sequences by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary chamber that receives fluid directly from the subject and automatically triggers the vacuum mechanism. This intermediary structure simplifies the user interface to merely positioning and activating the device, while the housing manages the complex fluid collection and vacuum activation processes
3Ease of operation
If needles are deployed for fluid collection, then fluid access is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to needle exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is nested within the flow activator housing, retracted into the protective housing when not in use. This nesting provides automatic needle retraction and protection, eliminating exposure hazards while maintaining the ability to deploy the needle for fluid collection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in advance with the needle retracted into the housing and the vacuum system pre-charged. The flow activator is positioned and ready for deployment, but the needle remains protected until the moment of use, at which point it deploys automatically or upon simple user activation
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 simplifies the process of fluid collection by allowing for rapid deployment and controlled retraction of needles, reducing the need for extensive training and equipment, making it suitable for use in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source arranged to provide a pressure less than ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
a channel in fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication.