Lancing Device with Dampening Fin and Segmented Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices for blood sampling are inconvenient and require frequent replacement of lancets, leading to reduced compliance with testing regimens due to the need for multiple devices and potential for infection from reused lancets.
Innovation Solution
A compact, multi-use lancing device with a removable lancet cartridge containing multiple interconnected lancets, a drive mechanism for propelling lancets from a retracted to an extended position, and a flexible web for retraction, along with a dampening fin to reduce pain and noise, and an anti-tamper mechanism to prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single lancet is used in a disposable device, then infection risk is minimized, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent replacement and carrying multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the lancet supply into a reusable housing containing multiple disposable lancets arranged in a magazine-style cartridge. This allows the user to retain multiple lancets within a single device, eliminating the need to carry separate disposable devices while maintaining the safety benefit of using fresh lancets for each test.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it stores multiple lancets, provides a drive mechanism for sequential lancet ejection, offers a dampening fin for pain reduction, and includes an anti-tamper mechanism to prevent reuse. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one convenient unit.
2Ease of operation
If multiple lancets are stored in a single device, then user convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lancets are nested within the housing in a compact magazine-style arrangement, with each lancet positioned in its own compartment. This nested structure allows multiple lancets to be stored efficiently within a single device footprint, maintaining compactness while providing multi-use capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism automatically advances and ejects the next lancet in the sequence without requiring user intervention to manually replace lancets. The system self-regulates the lancet delivery process, reducing operational complexity for the user while managing the internal complexity of sequential lancet retrieval.
3Productivity
If a drive mechanism propels lancets outward, then blood sampling efficiency improves, but the force required and potential for tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening fin is positioned at the distal end of the housing to cushion the lancet upon ejection. This fin absorbs excess kinetic energy and reduces the peak force applied to the tissue, thereby reducing pain and potential tissue damage while maintaining adequate penetration for efficient blood sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism controls the ejection parameters of the lancet, including velocity and duration of contact with the dampening fin. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves sufficient penetration depth for efficient sampling while limiting the peak force that could cause tissue damage or excessive pain.
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 enhances user convenience, encourages frequent testing, reduces the risk of infection, and minimizes pain and anxiety through sequential lancet use and safe disposal, while preventing accidental needle sticks and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a dampening fin to reduce pain and noise
Implementation Method 2
a flexible web for retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device (20) having a housing (24) with a lancet cartridge (22) mounted therein. The lancets (26) of the lancet cartridge (22) are interconnected by a flexible web (28). The lancet cartridge (22) is not positively engaged within the housing (24) and can be easily removed. The housing (24) has an opening (42) with an adjacent flexible or compressible fin (60) for dampening the motion of the lancet (26). The lancet cartridge (22) has at least one lancet (26) with an endcap, and the housing has a cap-removal mechanism (74) for separating the endcap from the housing (24). Anti-tampering features prevent opening of the device when the lancet cartridge (22) is oriented with a lancet (26) in a firing position.