Patch-Mounted Spring Cannula Insertion for Simpler Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulin delivery systems require separate insertion units or electro mechanics for cannula insertion, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complex handling processes.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with an integrated spring-driven insertion mechanism and a patch-mounted cannula system that allows for easy manufacturing and simple handling, featuring a pre-bended cannula and a biocompatible design for transcutaneous insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate insertion units or electro mechanics are used for cannula insertion, then cannula insertion functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and handling processes become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidhandling process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the insertion mechanism directly into the patch structure, combining the cannula, spring element, and drive unit into a single integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for separate insertion units and reduces the number of components, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs while maintaining cannula insertion functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-driven insertion mechanism is designed to automatically drive the cannula into the body tissue without requiring external electro-mechanical actuation. The spring element stores potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy to propel the cannula, enabling self-service insertion that reduces system complexity and eliminates the need for complex electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If spring-driven insertion mechanism is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but insertion force control may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidinsertion force control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the spring element to provide controlled insertion force. By selecting appropriate spring constants and pre-compression values, the insertion force can be optimized to penetrate body tissue effectively. The spring mechanism naturally provides force regulation through its elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex electronic force control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies cannula insertion and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining biocompatibility and ease of use, offering a cost-effective solution for insulin delivery.

Implementation Method 1

The integrated insertion mechanism (144) is a spring driven insertion mechanism (148). The medical device (116) further comprises at least one spring element (168). The spring element (168) is configured to store a force and to release the force, thereby moving the drive unit (166) from an initial position into a final position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The cannula (145) is a pre-bended cannula (214). The integrated insertion mechanism (144) is configured for driving the cannula (145) from a storage position (204) within the patch (138) into an inserted position (218) within the body tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3593834B1Medical device for transcutaneously inserting a cannula into a body tissue
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ROCHE DIABETES CARE GMBH
  • EP3593834B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3593834B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3593834B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A medical device (116) for transcutaneously inserting a cannula (145) into a body tissue, a medication device (110) for delivering at least one therapeutical medical fluid to a user and a method for transcutaneously inserting a cannula into a body tissue are disclosed. The medical device (116) comprises: • at least one cannula (145), wherein the cannula (145) comprises a lumen which is fully or partially enclosed by a wall (211) of the cannula (145); • at least one patch (138) configured to be mounted onto a skin of a user, wherein the patch (138) comprises at least one patch base (140), wherein the patch (138) further comprises at least one integrated insertion mechanism (144) for driving the cannula (145) from a storage position (204) within the patch (138) into an inserted position (218) within the body tissue; wherein the patch (138) further comprises at least one reservoir (146) configured for storing at least one therapeutical medical fluid and wherein the integrated insertion mechanism (144) is a spring driven insertion mechanism (148).