Implant Applicator With Movable Arm for Secure Cannula Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intradermal implant applicators face challenges in securing the implant within the cannula without risking damage during insertion, as existing mechanisms either allow premature expulsion or exert continuous pressure that can break or damage the implant.

Innovation Solution

An applicator design featuring a cannula with a lateral opening and a rotatable, slidable, or flexible arm that secures the implant by blocking the exit path until insertion is complete, using an elastic mechanism to automatically switch positions based on skin contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lever or protrusion is used to secure the implant inside the cannula, then the implant is prevented from sliding out before insertion, but the implant is subjected to continuous pressing force that increases the risk of breaking or damaging it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature implant expulsionVSAvoidrisk of implant damage from continuous pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed to be movable between a first position (blocking the aperture to secure the implant) and a second position (allowing implant exit). The arm transitions from a blocking state to a non-blocking state dynamically during the insertion process, eliminating continuous pressing force while maintaining security when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing function is segmented into distinct phases: the arm blocks the aperture during storage and insertion, then moves away to allow implant exit. This segmentation separates the securing function from the release function, allowing the implant to be secured without continuous pressure that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If protrusions are added to the cannula lumen to secure the implant, then the implant is prevented from unwanted sliding out, but the protrusions exert shearing force on the implant surface during application causing rubbing and scratching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unwanted implant slidingVSAvoidshearing force and surface damage to implant

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is extracted from the cannula structure itself and transferred to a separate movable arm component. This allows the arm to provide securing force without being integrated into the cannula wall, eliminating the shearing and rubbing that occurs when protrusions are part of the cannula structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable arm acts as an intermediary between the cannula and the implant for securing purposes. Instead of the cannula directly contacting and pressing the implant through protrusions, the arm serves as a mediator that can block the aperture without exerting continuous shearing force on the implant surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If constant pressure is applied to secure the implant in the cannula, then the implant remains stable during storage, but the likelihood of damaging or fracturing the implant increases during the whole shelf life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of implant position during storageVSAvoidrisk of implant fracture from constant pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arm provides periodic rather than continuous contact with the implant. It blocks the aperture when needed (during storage and insertion) then moves away (during release), creating a periodic action pattern that maintains stability without continuous damaging pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism transitions from static constant pressure to dynamic intermittent contact. The movable arm can engage and disengage from the blocking position, providing stability only when necessary and eliminating constant pressure that could lead to implant fracture over the shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures secure and damage-free implant placement by preventing premature expulsion and minimizing contact pressure, enhancing safety and reliability during insertion.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable, slidable or flexible arm (42)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12377253B2Applicator for implant insertion

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 CHEMO RES SL

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention relate to an applicator for inserting an implant under the skin of a patient. The applicator comprises a housing containing a cannula that is fixed to a cannula holder and is slidably received within said housing. The cannula comprises an aperture at its distal end and a lateral opening. The implant is accommodated within the cannula and/or the cannula holder. A securing mechanism retains the implant inside the cannula. This mechanism comprises an arm configurable between a first position, which prevents the implant from exiting through the cannula's aperture, and a second position that enables the implant's placement under the skin through the aperture. Said lateral opening is situated between the aperture and the distal end of the implant. In the first arm position, the arm partially enters the lateral opening, thereby obstructing the implant from exiting through the aperture.