Needle Insertion Mechanism Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing needle insertion mechanisms in injection devices face high energy consumption due to excessive frictional losses, leading to overdesigning of components and inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

The proposed needle insertion mechanism employs a biased gearing system that utilizes passive forces generated by a biased gearing member to move the needle holder from a retracted to an inserted position, reducing the energy required for needle insertion by minimizing the forces needed to overcome frictional resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional needle insertion mechanism is used, then the needle can be inserted into the patient, but excessive frictional losses occur leading to high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfrictional losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional slider-cam mechanism with a gear-based mechanical system. The gear wheel engages with the gear segment on the needle holder, providing a more efficient power transmission path that reduces frictional losses. This mechanical substitution eliminates the high-friction sliding contact and replaces it with rolling contact in the gear teeth, thereby reducing energy consumption during needle insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is pre-loaded to store elastic energy before needle insertion. When the needle holder is actuated, the spring releases its stored energy to assist in overcoming the frictional resistance during needle insertion. This preliminary energy storage and release mechanism reduces the peak power requirement and overall energy consumption of the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If conventional needle insertion mechanisms are used, then needle insertion is achieved, but component overdesign occurs due to excessive energy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent designVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the slider-cam mechanism with a gear-based system, the patent achieves more efficient power transmission with reduced frictional losses. This allows for smaller, more efficiently designed components since the gear system requires less force to overcome friction, eliminating the need for overdesigning components to compensate for energy losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a slider-cam mechanism is used for needle insertion, then the needle can be moved, but high frictional resistance reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidfrictional resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-friction slider-cam mechanism with a gear-based system where the gear wheel engages with the gear segment on the needle holder. This substitution transforms the sliding friction into rolling friction in the gear teeth, significantly reducing frictional resistance and improving operational efficiency during needle insertion and retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element is pre-loaded to store elastic energy that assists during needle insertion, reducing the peak force required and improving operational efficiency by providing additional driving force when needed most, thereby compensating for frictional resistance more effectively.

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

This approach significantly reduces energy consumption and optimizes the design of the needle insertion mechanism, enhancing the efficiency and reducing the complexity of the drive components required.

Implementation Method 1

a biased gearing member positioned between the needle holder and the slider, the biased gearing member comprising a spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240269376A1Needle insertion mechanism for an injection or infusion device

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 YPSOMED AG

AI summary

Needle insertion mechanisms for an injection device include a housing, a needle holder holding a needle, a slider moveable from a first position retaining the needle holder in a retracted position towards a second position allowing movement of the needle holder to an inserted position. An intermediate member positioned between the needle holder and the slider is moveable from a blocked position to a release position releasing the needle holder for movement to the inserted position. A biased gearing between the intermediate member and the needle holder biases the intermediate member towards the release position. A lock between the intermediate member and the slider is configured to lock the intermediate member in the blocked position against the bias of the gearing. Movement of the slider towards the second position unlocks the lock and the biased gearing moves the intermediate member into the release position thereby releasing the needle holder.