Needle Insertion Device Plunger Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin delivery systems, particularly pump-type devices, can be traumatic for patients due to the manual insertion of needles, and there is a need for a mechanism that minimizes discomfort during needle insertion while ensuring accurate and controlled delivery of insulin.
Innovation Solution
A needle-inserting device with a plunger mechanism that uses a bias force to move the needle from a retracted to an extended position, allowing for a controlled and minimally traumatic insertion, and includes a tab end that can be removed or broken off to facilitate movement, with a hollow cannula for fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a spring mechanism is used to force the needle to quickly move from retracted to extended position, then the insertion speed is improved and trauma is reduced, but the control precision is worsened as the insertion cannot be adjusted to a slow steady pace
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static spring-loaded system to a dynamic system with two stages of motion. The plunger can be held in a first position by a tab end, then moved to a second position where the spring forces rapid needle extension. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt between held and moving states, resolving the contradiction between speed and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion mechanism is divided into two distinct phases: a holding phase where the plunger is maintained in a first position by the tab end, and an insertion phase where the plunger moves to a second position to deploy the needle rapidly. This segmentation allows precise control over when insertion occurs while maintaining the benefit of rapid deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If a tab end is added to hold the plunger in the first position, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tab end acts as an intermediary element between the plunger and the housing. It provides a simple mechanical interface that engages with the housing to hold the plunger in the first position, avoiding the need for complex locking mechanisms while achieving precise position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab end is designed to be removable or breakable, extracting the holding function from a permanent complex mechanism. This allows the plunger to be held simply by the tab end's presence, and then released when needed, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control precision.
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 device provides a more comfortable and efficient method for insulin delivery by reducing trauma during needle insertion and ensuring accurate placement, enhancing patient experience and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a bias mechanism configured to apply a bias force to the plunger when the plunger is in the first plunger position to move the plunger along the longitudinal dimension to the second plunger position
Data Source
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AI summary
A needle inserter housing may have a needle, plunger, and bias mechanism supported within the housing by a tab configured to retain the plunger in position and to allow the plunger to move under bias force imparted by the bias mechanism to move the needle to an insert position when the tab is removed. A base and a structure may be configured for relative movement there between and may be adapted to be secured to a user with a cannula extending through a body of the structure into the user during use of a medical device. A housing may be adapted to be secured to a user to support a medical device operable with an insertion needle, the housing having a magnifying material for increasing visibility of an injection site.