L-Shaped Microneedle Stroke Adjustment via Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle devices face limitations in adjustable needle penetration depth, particularly in L-shaped designs, where adjustability is hindered by the location of the adjusting element within the user's grip, leading to potential unintentional changes and restricted operation.
Innovation Solution
The handle housing part of the microneedle device is designed to cantilever through a bore in the motor housing part, with fastening means that allow adjustable positioning along a defined path, featuring a cam disk with a helical curve and a cam pin for precise adjustment, ensuring the adjusting element is visible and preventing accidental changes, while allowing for stepless and finely adjustable needle depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjusting element is located within the user's grip area, then the device can be held compactly, but the adjusting element becomes invisible and prone to unintentional changes
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element is extracted from the grip area and relocated to the extension of the handle. This allows the user to adjust the needle penetration depth with a finger or thumb while holding the device, making the adjusting element visible and accessible without compromising the compact grip design. The adjustment mechanism is separated from the main body extension, creating a dedicated adjustment zone that is both visible and protected from accidental operation.
2Device complexity
If a threaded connection is used for adjustment, then the mechanism is simple, but the setting can be changed unintentionally and even unnoticed
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic cam-based system. The cam profile allows for easy adjustment during operation while providing positive engagement that prevents unintentional changes. The cam mechanism can be adjusted with simple rotational motion and locks into position, providing both ease of operation and setting stability without requiring complex multi-component systems.
3Shape
If the adjusting element is hidden in the grip area, then the device appearance is clean, but adjustment during operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment functionality is extended to a different spatial dimension - the extension of the handle rather than the grip area. This allows the adjusting element to be positioned where it is both visible and accessible for operation, while maintaining a clean appearance of the main device body. The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the handle extension in a way that does not compromise the aesthetic design of the primary device structure.
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 solution provides a secure, visible, and easily operable mechanism for adjusting needle depth, preventing accidental changes and enabling precise, stepless adjustability, ensuring safe and effective microneedle penetration across varying skin thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment means have a cam disk arranged in the fastening means with a helical curve in the form of a recess running from the outside inwards, as well as a cam pin which is arranged on the handle housing part in such a way that it engages in the curve
Implementation Method 2
The power is usually transmitted by means of an eccentric, which runs on the motor shaft and sets a connecting rod in lifting motion, which drives the needle shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a stroke adjustment device for an L-shaped microneedle device, comprising a housing 2 with a transverse, elongated motor housing part 2a for receiving the rotary drive and a tubular handle housing part 2b connected thereto at a right angle via an end bore 15 for receiving the stroke drive for a needle shaft. The object of the invention is to provide a simple and reliable adjustment mechanism for the needle stroke. This is achieved by the handle housing part 2b being slidably mounted into the motor housing part 2a through the bore 15 along an adjustment path 4, wherein a fastening opening 2c is formed at the end of the drive housing part 2a adjacent to the bore 15, and fastening means (5) are provided for connecting the handle housing part 2b to the motor housing part 2a, which are brought into engagement with the handle housing part 2b through the fastening opening 2c.that they hold the handle housing part 2b adjustably along the adjustment path 4 in a defined position within the motor housing part 2a by means of adjusting means 7, 7a, 7b, and that the adjusting means 7, 7a, 7b have a cam disk 7 arranged in the fastening means 5 with a helical cam 7a leading from the outside to the inside in the form of a recess 7a, as well as a cam pin 7b which is arranged on the handle housing part 2b such that it engages in the cam 7a, and that the cam disk 7 is rotatable in the fastening opening 2c and the cam pin 7b is guided in the cam 7a during rotation.