Magnetic Lancet Device for Consistent Penetration Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable lancet devices experience degradation in tissue penetration depth over time due to elastic mechanisms, leading to inconsistent results and user discomfort, and existing magnetic drive mechanisms are impractical for home glucose testing.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic lancet device with a plurality of magnets interacting to drive the lancet from an engaged to a penetrating position, featuring a carrier magnet within a guide tube with adjustable depth settings and magnetic stops for consistent penetration, eliminating the need for electrical power and reducing user discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastic mechanism (metal spring) is used to drive the lancet, then the lancet can be propelled from engaged to penetrating position, but the tissue penetration depth becomes inconsistent and unreliable over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical spring system with a magnetic drive mechanism. Magnets positioned within the drive mechanism generate magnetic force to propel the lancet from the engaged to the penetrating position, eliminating the degradation issues associated with repeated elastic material compression and decompression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the driving force parameter from elastic mechanical force to magnetic force. This parameter change ensures consistent penetration depth because magnetic force does not degrade with repeated use like elastic materials do, maintaining reliable lancet propulsion throughout the device lifespan.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic drive mechanisms are used, then consistent magnetic force can be applied to drive the lancet, but the device becomes impractical for home glucose testing due to electrical power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic drive mechanisms with a permanent magnet-based mechanical system. Permanent magnets generate sufficient magnetic force without requiring electrical power, making the device portable and suitable for home glucose testing while maintaining consistent driving force.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets in the drive mechanism generate their own magnetic field continuously without external power sources. This self-powered magnetic drive system eliminates the need for batteries or electrical power, enabling portability and home use while maintaining reliable lancet propulsion.
3Duration of action of moving object
If elastic mechanisms are used with repeated compression and decompression, then the lancet can be reused multiple times, but the elasticity degrades and functional design parameters change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the elastic mechanical system with a magnetic drive system that does not suffer from material fatigue. The permanent magnets maintain constant magnetic properties throughout the device lifespan, ensuring functional design parameters remain stable with repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic drive mechanism provides more than sufficient driving force initially and maintains this force level throughout the device lifespan. This excessive action ensures that even with wear and tear on other components, the magnetic force remains adequate to maintain consistent penetration depth throughout the device's operational life.
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 magnetic lancet device provides consistent tissue penetration depth, reduces user frustration, and extends the device's functional life, allowing for reliable glucose testing without the need for batteries or electrical power, making it user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Drive mechanisms employing magnetic forces have been developed. For example, electromagnet drive mechanisms have been developed but may be impractical for home or away-from-home glucose testing. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0125019 to Kudrna et al. discloses a lancet device comprising an internal magnet for driving and retracting a lancet.
Implementation Method 2
A button switch activates the device such that the attractive force between the magnet and the collar propels the lancet forward to a piercing position. In addition, Kudrna discloses that the attractive force between the magnet and the collar acts to retract the lancet to a steady-state position.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide magnetic lancet devices and methods for driving a lancet. For example, a magnetic lancet device may include a driving mechanism having a plurality of magnets and a lancet coupled to the driving mechanism. A magnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets is configured to drive the lancet from an engaged position to a penetrating position.