Lancet Device Anti-Reuse Sleeve Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lancet devices used for puncturing human skin are either complex and costly due to their single-use design, or they risk re-use and infection if not designed for one-time use, posing challenges in maintaining sterility and preventing accidental reuse.

Innovation Solution

A lancet device with a sleeve element that immovably engages the punch element after use, ensuring the lancet tip is shielded and preventing re-use, combined with a simple construction and elastic diaphragm for consistent penetration, using injection-moldable plastics for cost-effectiveness and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lancet devices are designed with complex mechanical blocking means to prevent re-use, then reliability of single-use is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of re-useVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent segments: a disposable lancet unit (punch element with lancet) and a reusable handle (bushing element with grip). The lancet unit is further segmented into the punch element and the lancet itself. This segmentation allows the complex blocking function to be localized to the simple lancet unit while keeping the handle simple and reusable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The punch element with lancet is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex blocking mechanisms in the entire device, as the disposable nature of the lancet unit itself prevents re-use. The blocking means are simplified to basic mechanical features integrated into the disposable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If lancet devices use simple construction for economical production, then manufacturing cost decreases, but reliability of preventing re-use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidprevention of re-use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is merged with the basic structural components of the lancet device. The projection on the punch element and the corresponding recess in the bushing element are integrated into the fundamental assembly structure, eliminating the need for separate complex blocking mechanisms. The blocking action is achieved through the natural interaction of these structural features during assembly and use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If blocking means are added to prevent re-use, then sterility and safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection riskVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is built into the device structure from the beginning, before use. The projection-recess configuration is pre-designed to automatically prevent re-use after the first puncturing action. This preliminary integration of blocking functionality eliminates the need for additional complex safety mechanisms that would be added later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the lancet device is designed for single-use with complex blocking means, then safety is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is localized to specific features on the punch element (projection) and bushing element (recess), rather than requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire device. This localized approach allows simple injection molding of the plastic components with integrated blocking features, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device ensures absolute sterility and prevents accidental re-use, maintaining a low production cost while ensuring uniform and safe lancet penetration, addressing the need for a cost-effective, single-use lancet device that prevents infections and re-use.

Implementation Method 1

a punch element (12), provided with a manipulator device (20), and a bushing element (14), provided with a grip (15), for internally receiving the punch element (12) in an axially displaceable relationship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7811302B2Lancet device for puncturing the skin

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 HTL STREFA SPOLKA Z O O

AI summary

A lancet device for puncturing the skin of mammals, in particular of a human, includes a punch element, a manipulator, and a bushing element for the internal, axially displaceable reception of the punch element. The punch element on its free end has a lancet, provided with a sharp tip, for intentionally entering the skin. The lancet, by means of a force acting in the axial direction on the free end of the bushing via the punch element can be made to enter the skin from the end of the bushing outward with a preadjustable momentum, and a blocking arrangement using an axially slidable sleeve inside the bushing is provided, which, once the lancet has entered the skin, prevents the possibility of a reentry by locking itself within the bushing.