Needle Module Cuff Opening for Quick Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin puncturing devices require complex and time-consuming needle exchange processes, leading to high maintenance efforts and operating costs, while also needing precise up and down movement and guidance for optimal precision.

Innovation Solution

A needle module with a cuff that can be opened transversely to the puncture direction, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the drive rod and bell, enabling quick exchange of needle holders without special tools, and adjustable puncture depth through adjustable bell length, ensuring precise needle movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex coupling systems are used to attach needle holders to the drive rod, then needle guidance precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle guidance precisionVSAvoidcoupling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a drive rod module that can be independently attached and detached from the needle holder. The drive rod features a simplified coupling system with a drive rod receptacle and attachment elements that enable precise needle guidance through modular segmentation rather than complex integrated coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system allows dynamic attachment and detachment of the drive rod to the needle holder during operation. The attachment elements enable the drive rod to be securely fixed when needed for precise guidance, while allowing easy removal for maintenance or needle replacement, providing both precision and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If complex coupling systems are used for needle holder attachment, then needle guidance is improved, but maintenance time and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle guidance precisionVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drive rod is designed as a separate modular component that can be independently removed from the needle holder. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to quickly detach and replace the drive rod or needle holder assembly without disassembling complex coupling mechanisms, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving guidance precision through the simplified coupling design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod and needle holder are designed as replaceable components that can be quickly swapped during maintenance. Rather than servicing complex integrated coupling systems, the entire drive rod assembly can be replaced as a unit, reducing maintenance time and costs while maintaining precision through the simple, reliable coupling interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cuff is closed during operation, then needle movement precision is improved, but ease of operation for needle exchange deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle movement precisionVSAvoidneedle exchange ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is designed with dynamic states: a closed position during operation that secures the drive rod and bell for precise needle movement, and an open position during maintenance that allows easy access for needle exchange. The attachment elements enable smooth transition between these states, providing both operational precision and maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cuff structure is segmented with an openable design that separates the securing function from the access function. During operation, the closed cuff provides precise needle movement guidance. During maintenance, the cuff can be opened to allow easy removal and replacement of the drive rod and needle holder, combining precision and ease of operation through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3246067B1Needle module for a skin puncturing apparatus and skin puncturing apparatus comprising such a needle module
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 DERMAROLLER GMBH
  • EP3246067B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246067B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3246067B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a needle module (11) for connection to a drive module (12) of a skin puncture device (1), comprising a connecting piece (3) attachable to the drive module (12), a needle holder (7) with at least one needle (71) attached to a drive rod (8), wherein the drive rod (8) is designed to be connectable to a drive (2) of the drive module (12) such that it transmits an up-and-down movement from the drive (2) to the needle holder (7), a bell (6) accommodating the needle holder (7) and a part of the drive rod (8), which is designed such that the at least one needle (71) of the needle holder (7) can be pushed out of and retracted into an interior (64) of the bell (6) at an open side by the up-and-down movement in the puncture direction (a), and a cuff (5) enclosing the drive rod (8) and the bell (6) and attached to the connecting piece (3).wherein the drive rod (8) is slidably mounted in the bell (6) and in the cuff (5) in the puncture direction (a), wherein the cuff (5) can be opened on one side transversely to the puncture direction (a) so that the drive rod (8) and the bell (6) can be removed from the cuff (5). The invention further relates to a skin puncture device (1) with such a needle module (11).