Lancet Detection Element for Position Verification in Lancing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices lack a reliable mechanism to ensure proper insertion and positioning of lancet elements, risking accidental injury and contamination, as well as uncertainty about the lancet's position within the device.
Innovation Solution
A detection element within the lancing device that uses a spring element and actuating mechanism to emit signals when a lancet is fully inserted, providing feedback through acoustic, haptic, or optical signals, ensuring the lancet is in the correct position for safe and effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual withdrawal of lancet is used, then simplicity of device is maintained, but risk of injury and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lancing device performs self-service by automatically ejecting the lancet element through a spring mechanism and ejection element, eliminating the need for manual withdrawal. The spring element stores energy and automatically propels the lancet out of the holder when activation occurs, making the device self-operating rather than requiring user intervention for lancet removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element provides feedback to the user about the lancet's insertion status and ejection state. This feedback mechanism informs the user when the lancet has been properly inserted and when it has been successfully ejected, improving safety and user confidence without adding complex manual operations.
2Device complexity
If manual handling of lancet is required, then device structure remains simple, but handling of contaminated lancet becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic ejection mechanism eliminates manual handling of the lancet after use. The spring element and ejection element work together to automatically remove the lancet from the holder, preventing user contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element and ejection mechanism extract the lancet element from the holder automatically, separating the used lancet from the user's manual operation. This extraction process occurs through mechanical action rather than manual removal, eliminating direct human contact with the contaminated lancet.
3Device complexity
If no detection mechanism is provided, then device complexity is minimized, but certainty of lancet positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element provides tactile or visual feedback to the user about the lancet's insertion status. This feedback mechanism allows the user to confirm with certainty that the lancet is properly positioned in the holder, eliminating uncertainty about insertion depth and alignment without requiring complex electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element uses simple mechanical interaction between the lancet and detection components to provide positioning feedback. This mechanical detection system replaces the need for complex electronic or optical measurement systems, maintaining simplicity while providing reliable position confirmation through tactile sensations or mechanical engagement.
4Device complexity
If lancet insertion depth is not verified, then device operation remains simple, but reliability of piercing operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element provides feedback to the user about the lancet's insertion depth and positioning status. This feedback ensures that the lancet is properly inserted to the correct depth before use, giving the user confidence that the piercing operation will be reliable and safe without requiring complex verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element performs preliminary verification of lancet insertion before the piercing operation occurs. By checking and confirming proper lancet positioning in advance, the system ensures that the subsequent piercing operation can proceed reliably, preventing potential failures due to improper insertion.
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
The detection element ensures the lancet is securely and correctly positioned, reducing the risk of injury and contamination, and providing users with assurance of proper insertion, allowing for reliable device operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element for acting upon the lancet reception device with spring force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a detection element for lancets in lancing devices which will indicate that a lancet element is inserted completely again after the lancet has been changed. The invention includes a blood lancet apparatus which has a base body for the arrangement of a plurality of apparatus components, comprising a lancet reception device for coupling the blood lancet apparatus to a lancet element, at least one spring element for acting upon the lancet reception device with spring force and an actuating element for initiating a movement of the lancet reception device. The invention may further comprise a detection device for emitting at least for a time a signal with respect to a fixing position of the lancet element coupled at least in part to the lancet apparatus.