Insertion Device Linkage Assembly for Dual Medical Implant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical systems for delivering insulin and monitoring physiological characteristics, such as glucose levels, often require separate devices and insertion sites, which can cause discomfort and may lead to adverse effects due to the proximity of these devices once implanted.

Innovation Solution

A portable insertion device that includes a housing with a first and second insertion needle, configured to concurrently implant a fluid delivery cannula and an analyte sensor, respectively, by extending and retracting these needles from the skin while maintaining the devices implanted, allowing for simultaneous delivery of insulin and monitoring of glucose levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate devices are used for insulin delivery and glucose monitoring, then device functionality is ensured, but user discomfort increases and adverse effects may occur due to proximity of implanted devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiduser discomfort and adverse effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate medical devices (insulin delivery cannula and glucose monitoring sensor) into a single integrated implantable system. The insertion device simultaneously delivers both devices through a single insertion site, merging previously separate functions into one unified system that reduces user discomfort and minimizes adverse effects from multiple insertion sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both insulin delivery and glucose monitoring implantation through a single device. This universal device can concurrently or sequentially implant multiple medical devices through a single insertion site, eliminating the need for separate insertion procedures and reducing overall user discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple insertion sites are used for separate devices, then device interference is reduced, but user discomfort and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice independenceVSAvoidinsertion procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device employs a nested structure where multiple medical devices (insulin cannula and glucose sensor) are delivered through a single insertion needle assembly. The devices are nested within the insertion mechanism, allowing sequential or concurrent deployment through one insertion site while maintaining spatial separation within the tissue to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional approach (separate insertion sites on the skin surface) to a three-dimensional approach (single insertion site with devices deployed at different depths and angles within the tissue). This dimensional change allows multiple devices to be implanted through one site while maintaining adequate separation to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If sequential insertion of devices is performed, then device implantation accuracy is maintained, but chronological separation causes increased user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice implantation accuracyVSAvoidchronological separation of procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion device is pre-configured with multiple devices loaded and positioned before insertion. The mechanical linkage and actuation system are prepared in advance to deliver devices in a predetermined sequence or simultaneously, eliminating delays between procedures and reducing user discomfort while maintaining implantation accuracy through pre-planned positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion device enables continuous action by delivering multiple devices in an uninterrupted sequence through a single insertion event. The mechanical linkage ensures that once insertion begins, the delivery of both devices occurs in continuous motion without withdrawal or repositioning, maintaining implantation precision while eliminating chronological gaps that cause user discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20230330331A1Insertion device with linkage assembly

Publication Date: 2023.10.19 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

AI summary

An insertion device configured to implant a first medical device and a second medical device in a user. The first medical device may be a fluid delivery cannula configured to deliver a fluid (e.g., insulin) to the user. The second medical device may be an analyte sensor (e.g., a glucose sensor) configured to detect a physiological characteristic of the user (e.g., a glucose level). The insertion device may be configured to be worn by the user. The insertion device includes a first linkage assembly configured to extend and retract a first insertion needle to implant the first medical device and a second linkage assembly configured to extend and retract a second insertion needle to implant the second medical device. The insertion device includes a user input device configured to cause the insertion device to initiate the implantation when activated by the user.