Single-Handed Lancing Device Plate Spring Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices require two-handed operation, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks due to the need for a two-step activation process, potentially leading to accidental piercing.
Innovation Solution
A lancing device design featuring a housing, lancet holder, drive spring, and activating mechanism that allows single-handed operation through a user-accessible component and plate spring, enabling the lancet holder to move from a cocked to a puncture position with a single depression, thereby simplifying the activation process and reducing the risk of accidental firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-handed operation is used to activate the lancing device, then the device can be safely controlled, but the convenience of operation is reduced and safety risks increase due to the two-step activation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cocking and firing actions into a single integrated mechanism. The resilient means (spring-loaded system) automatically cocks the lancet holder during the same single-handed depression action that fires the lancet, eliminating the need for separate two-step activation while maintaining safety through the automatic reset mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means automatically performs the cocking function without requiring separate user action. When the user depresses the activation mechanism, the spring-loaded system self-activates to cock the lancet holder and then fires it, reducing the operational steps while maintaining control through the automatic reset to the initial position.
2Productivity
If a two-step activation process is implemented, then the device can be controlled safely, but the time required for operation increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cocking and firing steps into a single simultaneous action. The resilient means ensures that both functions are accomplished during one continuous depression and release motion, eliminating the time delay between separate steps while maintaining the controlled activation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means pre-loads the spring mechanism during normal device handling, so that when the user activates the device, the cocking action occurs automatically and immediately during the firing sequence, eliminating the need for a separate preliminary cocking step and reducing overall operation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lancet holder is held in a cocked position, then the device is ready for use, but the risk of inadvertent firing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic resilient means (spring-loaded system) that continuously moves the lancet holder between cocked and fired positions based on user activation. The system does not remain statically cocked but transitions dynamically through the activation sequence and automatically resets, reducing the time the device spends in a potentially hazardous cocked state while maintaining readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means is designed to automatically reset the lancet holder to the retracted position after firing, preventing the device from remaining in a cocked state. This automatic counter-action eliminates the hazard of inadvertent firing by ensuring the lancet holder returns to a safe position immediately after use, without requiring manual intervention.
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
Enables safe and convenient single-handed operation of the lancing device, reducing the risk of accidental piercing and improving user safety by allowing a single action to activate the device, thus addressing the limitations of existing two-handed and multi-step activation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plate spring is adapted to engage the lancet holder upon depression of the user-accessible component in the second direction. The depression of the user-accessible component in the second direction causes the plate spring to move the lancet holder away from the aperture in the first direction to a cocked position.
Implementation Method 2
The drive spring attaches to and connects the lancet holder opposite the aperture, and the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A lancing device includes a housing, at least two ramps, a lancet holder, a drive spring, and an activation mechanism. The housing includes first and second ends, and a first wall. The first end has an aperture extending therethrough and the first wall has an opening extending therethrough. The two ramps are located within the housing and forms a channel therebetween. The lancet holder is partially contained within the channel formed by the ramps and holds a lancet. The activation mechanism includes a user-accessible component and a plate spring. A portion of the user-accessible component extends through the opening and is external to the housing. The plate spring engages the ramps forming the channel and the lancet holder upon depression of the user-accessible component, the lancet holder moves towards the second end to a cocked position. Upon further depression of the user-accessible component, the lancet holder moves toward the first end to a puncture position.