Infusion Device Applicator with Movable Central Body for Uniform Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infusion devices are difficult for non-expert users to apply correctly due to pain fears and inexperience, leading to incorrect insertion and potential detachment from the skin, which can result in ineffective treatment.

Innovation Solution

An applicator with a central body that moves between configurations, allowing easy application and adhesion of the infusion device, featuring a dragging element to ensure uniform adhesion of the sticking plaster and prevent accidental detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a snap-on mechanism with button actuation is used for applying the infusion device, then the application process becomes automated and easier to operate, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a main body housing, a movable central body containing the infusion device, and a dragging element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall operation for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The infusion device is pre-loaded into the containment seat of the central body before application. The sticking plaster is positioned in advance to ensure proper alignment with the skin upon application, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments during the application process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the sticking plaster is made adhesive enough to prevent detachment, then the reliability of the application improves, but the ease of removal for device disposal worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates a dragging element that applies dynamic pressure to the sticking plaster during and after the application process. This ensures optimal adhesion initially, while the modular design allows for controlled release when needed for device removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dragging element acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the sticking plaster and the skin. It applies uniform pressure to enhance adhesion during application, but its presence as a separate component facilitates controlled removal by allowing the plaster to be released systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the central body is made movable between configurations, then the ease of application improves through automatic positioning, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central body is designed to be movable relative to the main body housing, transitioning between a first configuration (retracted) and a second configuration (extended). This dynamic positioning allows the infusion device to be automatically presented to the skin surface for application while maintaining a compact form when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator operates through periodic transitions of the central body between retracted and extended configurations. This periodic motion simplifies the application process by automatically positioning the device at the appropriate moment, reducing the need for complex manual positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Stability of the object's composition

If the dragging element is used to press the sticking plaster against the skin, then the adhesion homogeneity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion homogeneityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dragging element is specifically designed to apply pressure locally to the sticking plaster at the point of contact with the skin. This localized action ensures uniform adhesion where it is most needed, while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other parts of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dragging element serves as an intermediary between the central body and the sticking plaster, mediating the pressure application process. It ensures homogeneous contact between the adhesive and skin surfaces without requiring complex pressure distribution mechanisms throughout the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4355386B1Applicator for infusion devices
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 THERAS LIFETECH SRL
  • EP4355386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4355386B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4355386B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Described is an applicator (1) for infusion devices (10) comprising a main body (2), a central body (3) positioned inside the main body (2), a dragging element (4), actuating means (5) connected or connectable to the central body (3) in such a way as to apply the infusion device (10). The dragging element (4) defines a pressure surface which can be pressed by a user for moving the central body (3) towards an access opening (2a) of the main body (2) once the infusion device (10) has been applied.