Lancing Device Automatic Return Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lancing devices require manual operation to return the control member to its original position after lancet detachment, leading to increased complexity, size, and manufacturing cost when attempting to address this issue with additional return springs.

Innovation Solution

A lancing device with a housing, lancet holder, control member, and return member, where the return member, preferably a resilient compression spring, automatically returns the control member to its wait position after lancet retreat and detachment operations, using engagement portions and stoppers to facilitate movement and prevent contact, thereby reducing the need for additional parts and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an additional return spring is provided to automatically return the control member to its original position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it returns the control member to its original position after lancet detachment operation, and also returns the control member after lancet retreat operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return mechanisms for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the return function for both lancet detachment and lancet retreat operations into a single return spring mechanism. By merging these two separate return operations into one unified mechanism, the device complexity is reduced while still providing automatic return functionality for both operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If an additional return spring is provided to automatically return the control member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it returns the control member to its original position after lancet detachment operation, and also returns the control member after lancet retreat operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return mechanisms for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If an additional return spring is provided to automatically return the control member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the size of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsize of device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it returns the control member to its original position after lancet detachment operation, and also returns the control member after lancet retreat operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate return mechanisms for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for automatic return of the control member to its original position, reducing user effort and device complexity, while minimizing the number of parts and manufacturing costs, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a return member for returning the control member to the wait position after the lancet retreat operation has been performed and returning the control member to the wait position after the lancet detachment operation has been performed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the return member includes a resilient member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2220999B1Puncture device
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 ARKRAY INC
  • EP2220999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2220999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2220999B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

By moving a control member (3) in a predetermined direction from a wait position, a lancing device (A) can perform a lancet retreat operation for retreating a lancet holder (2) to locate a lancet (9) at a predetermined retreated position and a lancet detachment operation for pushing out the lancet (9) forward of the lancet holder (2) after a lancing operation. The control member (3) returns to the wait position by action of a return member (7) both after the lancet retreat operation and after the lancet detachment operation. Thus, the lancing device (A) is convenient.