Reusable Blood Lancing Device with Spring Tensioning Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generic lancing devices are typically designed for single use and require re-tensioning of drive springs for repeated use, making them inconvenient and prone to unintentional displacement during the tensioning process.

Innovation Solution

A lancing device with a tensioning mechanism that includes means for axially locking and working to facilitate the re-tensioning of a drive spring, using a combination of spiral springs and a cam track system to ensure reliable and controlled tensioning, preventing unintended movement and allowing for multiple uses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lancing device is designed for single use, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be reused requiring disposal after one use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning mechanism pre-locks the drive spring in a tensioned state before use, and includes means to maintain this tensioned state across multiple uses. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to automatically secure the spring, eliminating the need for re-tensioning operations between uses and enabling repeated use without additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual retensioning is required for repeated use, then the device can be reused, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning mechanism is designed to automatically maintain the drive spring in a tensioned state through self-locking features. The mechanism includes means that automatically secure the spring tension without requiring user intervention, making the device ready for repeated use immediately after a single initial tensioning operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the drive spring is tensioned manually without locking means, then the device structure is simple, but unintentional displacement occurs during tensioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensioning reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the drive spring and the housing. This locking means secures the spring in a tensioned state by engaging with corresponding features on the spring and housing, preventing unintentional displacement while adding minimal structural complexity through a dedicated locking feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If the lancing device lacks a tensioning mechanism with locking means, then the device is simpler, but the lancing depth becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelancing depth consistencyVSAvoidtensioning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning mechanism pre-sets the drive spring to a precise tensioned state using locking means that secure the spring at a predetermined position. This preliminary action ensures consistent lancing depth by maintaining identical spring tension across multiple uses, with the locking features preventing any variation in spring pre-load that would affect penetration consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables easier and more reliable conversion of the lancing device to a tensioned state, ensuring consistent performance and reducing user discomfort by maintaining a constant penetration depth and minimizing oscillation, thus enhancing user experience and device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the displaceable holding device is actuated by means of a spring force of a drive spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the means for performing work have spring elements, preferably two spiral springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2320797B1Pricking device for taking a blood sample
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 GERRESHEIMER REGENSBURGH GMBH
  • EP2320797B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2320797B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2320797B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a pricking device (1) for taking a blood sample, comprising a movable holding device (5) for pricking means (4), means (12) for driving the movable holding device and a release device (19) for releasing the pricking movement (13) of the pricking means. When the release device has been manually actuated, the movable holding device can be axially moved by a spring force of a drive spring (9) of the drive means (12), and a tensing device (22) for tensing the drive spring. Said tensing device comprises a tensing mechanism (23) comprising means (24) for axially stopping the movable holding device during the tensing of the drive spring and means (25) for working during the tensing of the drive spring enabling said pricking device to be comfortable to use even when being used several times.