Fluid Collection Device With Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering and receiving fluids from or to the skin lack efficient mechanisms for fluid release and collection, particularly in terms of speed and pain reduction during piercing, and often require complex constructions with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow activator that uses separate deployment and retraction actuators to control the movement of needles, allowing faster deployment and slower retraction, and incorporates a vacuum source to facilitate fluid collection, while minimizing pain and complexity through concentric alignment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for both deployment and retraction of the flow activator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control deployment speed and retraction speed independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two separate actuators: a deployment actuator that controls the deployment speed of the flow activator, and a retraction actuator that controls the retraction speed. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each speed parameter, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and speed control capability.
2Productivity
If the flow activator is moved rapidly for deployment, then the productivity is improved, but the pain experienced by the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of the flow activator movement through separate actuators that can independently adjust deployment and retraction speeds. The deployment actuator enables rapid insertion for efficient fluid collection, while the retraction actuator provides controlled, slower withdrawal to minimize pain, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harm reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow activator is retracted slowly, then the pain experienced by the subject is reduced, but the duration of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate retraction actuator enables dynamically adjusted retraction speed that can be optimized to balance pain reduction and procedure duration. The actuator provides controlled, slower withdrawal compared to deployment, minimizing subject discomfort while maintaining acceptable procedure timing through independent speed optimization.
4Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to achieve both deployment and retraction functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations within its domain. The deployment actuator handles both the deployment movement and initial fluid access, while the retraction actuator manages both the retraction movement and seal engagement. This universal design reduces the need for additional specialized components, balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.
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 efficiently releases and collects fluids with reduced pain by rapid deployment and controlled retraction of needles, and enables fluid communication through a vacuum source, enhancing the fluid delivery and reception process.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source that provides a pressure less than ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
The device may also include a channel that is fluidly coupled 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. The flow activator may be actuated in a deployment direction by a deployment actuator, 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, an effector may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and may do so in response to actuation of the flow activator.