Spring-Driven Needle Retraction Mechanism for Space-Saving Patch Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery devices face challenges in providing reliable, cost-effective, and space-saving needle insertion and retraction mechanisms, particularly for patch pumps adhered to the skin for subcutaneous medicament delivery.
Innovation Solution
A needle insertion and retraction mechanism for medication delivery devices, comprising a drive module and a needle insertion and retraction module, which includes a drive shaft, springs, and a control element to automate needle insertion and retraction, allowing for detachable modules and multiple uses of the drive module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a needle insertion and retraction mechanism is integrated into the medication delivery device, then automatic needle insertion and retraction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a drive module containing the motor and control electronics, and a needle insertion and retraction module containing the mechanical components. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
A control element acts as an intermediary between the drive module and the needle carrier, mediating the transmission of motion and force. This intermediary component simplifies the coupling between the motor-driven system and the mechanical needle assembly, reducing overall complexity while enabling automatic operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the needle insertion and retraction module is made detachable from the drive module, then cost effectiveness and space saving are achieved, but reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with separable modules that can be detached and reattached. The drive module and needle insertion and retraction module are independent units that connect through a standardized interface, enabling easy manufacturing, reduced space requirements, and cost effectiveness while maintaining reliability through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable module design allows the drive module to be reused with different needle insertion and retraction modules, and vice versa. This universal interface enables multiple configurations and applications, enhancing reliability through standardized connections while reducing overall system costs and space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the needle carrier is movable between positions, then needle insertion and retraction functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle carrier is designed to be automatically moved between positions by the spring member and control element without requiring manual intervention. The system uses elastic potential energy from the spring to drive the needle carrier, achieving ease of operation while minimizing the complexity of additional actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of needle insertion and retraction is replaced by an automated mechanical system using a spring member and control element. This substitution eliminates the need for complex motorized actuation mechanisms while achieving the desired functionality, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 mechanism ensures reliable and efficient needle insertion and retraction, optimizing space usage and reducing costs by enabling reusable drive modules and minimizing material contact with medicament.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member (31) which is adapted to move the needle carrier (20) with respect to the housing (10) in a needle insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
a second spring member (32) which is adapted to retract the needle carrier (20) with respect to the housing (10) in a needle retraction direction
Data Source
AI summary
A needle insertion and retraction mechanism for a medication delivery device includes a housing and a needle carrier holding a needle guided by the housing and moved along a needle axis. A first spring member is adapted to move the carrier in an insertion direction. A second spring member is adapted to retract the carrier in a retraction direction, opposite the insertion direction. A control element, linearly guided by the housing, moves transversely to the needle axis from a starting position, via a needle insertion release position, to a needle retraction release position. At least one of the first spring member and the second spring member is mounted on the control element so that the respective spring member is movable together with the control element.