Fluid Collection Device with Segmented Actuation and Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering and receiving fluids from or to the skin lack efficient mechanisms for controlled fluid release and collection, particularly in terms of speed and pain reduction during piercing, and often require complex actuation systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow activator that includes separate deployment and retraction actuators, allowing for faster deployment and slower retraction, and a vacuum source to facilitate fluid collection, while minimizing pain and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow activator is used to cause fluid release from a subject, then fluid collection efficiency is improved, but deployment speed and retraction speed cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuation system into two separate actuators: a deployment actuator that controls the extension of the flow activator, and a retraction actuator that controls its retraction. This segmentation allows independent control of deployment and retraction speeds, enabling optimized fluid collection efficiency while managing device complexity through functional separation.
2Speed
If deployment occurs faster than retraction, then fluid collection speed is improved, but pain during retraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the flow activator's movement by using separate actuators with different speed characteristics. The deployment actuator operates at high speed for rapid fluid collection, while the retraction actuator operates at a slower, more controlled speed to minimize pain. This dynamic adjustment of movement parameters resolves the contradiction between collection efficiency and patient comfort.
3Productivity
If a vacuum source is used to facilitate fluid collection, then fluid reception efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum source that creates negative pressure to actively draw fluid into the collection chamber through the flow activator. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external pumping or complex active collection systems, improving fluid reception efficiency while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through passive fluid withdrawal.
4Speed
If separate deployment and retraction actuators are used, then movement speed control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation system into distinct deployment and retraction actuators, each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation provides precise movement speed control for both phases of operation while managing complexity through modular design, where each actuator can be independently tuned and controlled without affecting the other.
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
Enables efficient and minimally painful fluid collection or delivery by controlling the speed of the flow activator's movement and using vacuum pressure for fluid collection, improving user experience and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source to provide a pressure less than ambient pressure
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.