Laser-Fused Acupuncture Needle Packaging for Simpler Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acupuncture needle packaging requires separate components like a needle-fixing cap and tension member, increasing costs and complexity, and is inconvenient for therapists to separate during use.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser to thermally deform the acupuncture needle handle and tube interface, eliminating the need for separate components by converting light energy into heat for fusion, thereby coupling the handle and tube directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate needle-fixing cap and tension member are used to secure the acupuncture needle in the tube, then the needle is firmly fixed, but the packaging structure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle-fixing cap and tension member into a single integrated component. The cap is designed with an internal structure that directly engages with the needle handle, eliminating the need for separate fixing components. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining secure needle fixation through the integrated cap's geometric engagement features.
2Reliability
If separate needle-fixing cap and tension member are used, then the needle is securely packaged, but the number of assembly processes and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fixing cap and tension member into one component, the assembly process is simplified from multiple steps to a single insertion operation. The worker only needs to insert the needle into the tube with the integrated cap already in place, significantly reducing assembly time and labor costs while maintaining secure packaging.
3Reliability
If separate needle-fixing cap and tension member are used, then the needle is firmly held, but separating them during use becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cap is designed with a segmentation feature that allows easy separation. The cap can be cleanly detached from the needle handle by applying force at a specific separation point, enabling convenient removal during use while maintaining firm holding during storage. This segmentation provides both secure fixation and easy separation without requiring complex mechanisms.
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
This approach simplifies packaging, reduces material and labor costs, and facilitates easier separation of the needle handle from the tube during use, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a laser using a laser generator to an area where the acupuncture needle tube and the acupuncture needle handle abut each other
Implementation Method 2
coupling the acupuncture needle handle and the acupuncture needle tube by thermally deforming the area where the acupuncture needle tube and the acupuncture needle handle abut each other with a heat generated at the acupuncture needle handle due to the laser irradiated with the laser generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of acupuncture needle packaging includes inserting an acupuncture needle body of an acupuncture needle including an acupuncture needle handle at an upper portion thereof into an acupuncture needle tube starting from the acupuncture needle handle; disposing the acupuncture needle in the acupuncture needle tube in a state in which the upper portion of the acupuncture needle handle is exposed to an exterior of the acupuncture needle tube; ascending the upper portion of the acupuncture needle handle exposed to the exterior using a pressing jig; irradiating a laser to an area where the acupuncture needle tube and the acupuncture needle handle abut each other; and coupling the acupuncture needle handle and the acupuncture needle tube by thermally deforming the area where the acupuncture needle tube and the acupuncture needle handle abut each other with a heat generated by the laser.