Insertion Device Locking Mechanism for Premature Puncture Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insertion devices for in vivo sensor placement and catheter applications often pose a risk of premature puncture during handling due to complex and expensive triggering mechanisms, which can lead to injuries and complicate operation.

Innovation Solution

An insertion device equipped with a blocking mechanism that automatically unlocks only when coupled to a base unit, utilizing a magnetic or purely mechanical safety mechanism to prevent premature activation, featuring a spring-loaded slide for simplified operation and enhanced safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex triggering mechanism is used to prevent premature puncture, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcomplexity of triggering mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety function from a complex triggering mechanism and implements it through a simple locking mechanism that is automatically deactivated when the insertion device is coupled to the base unit. This eliminates the need for complex actuating mechanisms while maintaining safety against premature puncture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically deactivate itself when the insertion device is properly coupled to the base unit, eliminating the need for user intervention or complex control systems. The system self-regulates its safety state based on the coupling condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a simple triggering mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature puncture increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidrisk of injury
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is activated by default before coupling occurs, preventing premature puncture. The lock is automatically deactivated only after the base unit is coupled, ensuring safety is maintained during handling while allowing simple operation when properly assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple actuating elements are required in sequence, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for multiple sequential actuating elements and replaces them with a single coupling action between the insertion device and base unit that automatically controls the locking mechanism state, simplifying operation while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Significantly reduces the risk of injury and simplifies the operation of insertion devices by ensuring that the puncture can only be triggered when the device is properly coupled, eliminating the need for complex actuating mechanisms and providing a secure, user-friendly interface.

Implementation Method 1

A locking mechanism according to the invention can, for example, be switched from its active state to its inactive state by magnetic force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2376143B1Insertion system and insertion device
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 ROCHE DIABETES CARE GMBH
  • EP2376143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2376143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2376143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insertion system having a base unit (2) for placing on the body of a patient and an insertion device (1) that can be coupled to the base unit (2), wherein the insertion device (1) comprises an insertion needle holder (7) for holding an insertion needle (8) and a drive mechanism for displacing the insertion needle holder (7) in a pricking direction. According to the invention, the insertion device (1) comprises a locking mechanism (10) causing locking of the drive mechanism in an active state and being set to an inactive state in which the locking is released by coupling the insertion device (1) to the base unit (2).