Lancing Device Damping Ring Reduces Rebound Pain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices cause discomfort due to multiple punctures and inadequate sample size, as they fail to properly dampen the lancet, leading to increased pain and inefficiency in obtaining body fluid samples for glucose monitoring in diabetic individuals.
Innovation Solution
A lancing device with a damping ring that engages the lancet assembly as it returns to the resting position, reducing movement back towards the puncture site, thereby preventing re-lancing and minimizing pain, and incorporating a dual-spring mechanism for controlled lancet movement between resting, cocking, and puncture positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lancet is not damped after initial piercing, then the lancet maintains its force for puncture, but multiple punctures occur causing increased pain and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping mechanism that is pre-positioned to engage the lancet assembly after the puncture action. The damping element (such as a spring-loaded plunger or elastomeric material) is designed to contact the lancet body immediately after skin penetration, providing cushioning that prevents the lancet from rebounding and causing multiple punctures, while not interfering with the initial puncture force
2Object-affected harmful factors
If excessive damping is applied to the lancet, then multiple punctures are prevented, but the lancet's force is reduced causing insufficient puncture depth and sample size
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it remains inactive during the puncture phase and only engages after the lancet has penetrated the skin. The damping element may be positioned on a movable plunger that is initially retracted, allowing full lancet force during puncture, then engages to dampen rebound motion. This dynamic activation ensures adequate sample collection while preventing multiple punctures
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping mechanism is added to prevent multiple punctures, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mechanism is integrated into the existing lancet assembly structure rather than being a separate component. The damping element may be incorporated into the plunger housing or attached directly to the lancet body, combining the puncture and damping functions within a unified structure. This integration minimizes additional parts and simplifies manufacturing while still providing the desired damping effect
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 damping ring reduces the likelihood of multiple punctures, enhancing user comfort and ensuring proper sample size by absorbing energy as the lancet returns, thus improving the lancing process and reducing user pain.
Implementation Method 1
a damping ring adapted to engage the lancet assembly as the lancet assembly moves from the puncture position back towards the resting position to reduce movement of the lancet assembly back towards the puncture position
Implementation Method 2
a spring adapted to connect the lancet-plunger housing to the lancet body. The second spring extends as the lancet assembly moves from the cocking position to the puncture position
Data Source
AI summary
A lancing device comprises a main housing, a movable housing, and a damping ring. The main housing forming an inner aperture that encloses a portion of a lancet assembly. The lancet assembly has a lancet body, a lancet-plunger housing, and a lance. The lancet assembly is adapted to move between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The movable housing is adjacent to the main housing. The moveable housing is adapted to move from a resting position to a cocking position. The moveable housing is adapted to connect to the lancet assembly. The damping ring is adapted to engage the lancet assembly as the lancet assembly moves from the puncture position back towards the resting position to reduce movement of the lancet assembly back towards the puncture position.