Piezoelectric Transducer for Reduced Penetration Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices face challenges in reducing the force required for penetrating tissues during procedures like vascular access, epidural catheterization, and bone biopsy, leading to tissue trauma, accidental punctures, and patient discomfort due to high insertion forces.

Innovation Solution

A handheld medical device equipped with a piezoelectric transducer that oscillates a sharps member at high frequencies, reducing the force needed for tissue penetration through flextensional transducer assembly designs, such as Langevin or cymbal transducers, which amplify displacement and enable controlled entry into tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If high insertion force is applied to penetrate tissues, then penetration depth is achieved, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration at resonant frequencies to the needle during tissue penetration. The vibration breaks adhesive bonds between the needle and tissue, significantly reducing the insertion force required and minimizing tissue trauma while maintaining effective penetration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the needle by inducing resonant vibration, transforming it from a static penetrating tool to a dynamically vibrating one. This parameter change allows the needle to penetrate tissue with minimal force by exploiting resonance to reduce adhesion and friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If high insertion force is applied, then penetration is achieved, but accidental punctures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidaccidental puncture risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resonant vibration reduces the force required for penetration, providing the clinician with better control over the needle tip. This reduced force requirement eliminates the need to apply excessive force, thereby reducing the risk of accidental punctures such as pneumothorax while ensuring reliable penetration when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the clinician to sense when penetration is achieved through tactile cues. This feedback enables precise control and immediate cessation of force application upon successful penetration, preventing overshooting and accidental punctures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual control is used for needle insertion, then positioning is achieved, but insertion force remains high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle controlVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

By incorporating resonant vibration into the needle, the device maintains full manual controllability while dramatically reducing the force required for penetration. The vibration assists the clinician's manual control, allowing precise positioning with minimal applied force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent partially replaces the purely mechanical force-based penetration system with a vibration-based mechanism. This substitution reduces reliance on high mechanical force while preserving manual control, combining the benefits of both approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution significantly reduces the force required for tissue penetration, minimizing trauma, improving success rates, and enhancing patient comfort by using resonant frequencies to break adhesive bonds between the needle and tissue, allowing for precise and controlled penetration.

Implementation Method 1

A handheld medical device equipped with a piezoelectric transducer that oscillates a sharps member at high frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

amplify displacement and enable controlled entry into tissues through resonant frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

oscillates a sharps member at high frequencies, reducing the force needed for tissue penetration through flextensional transducer assembly designs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8992439B2Medical tool for reduced penetration force

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 ACTUATED MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A medical device is provided having reduced penetration force. The device includes a body having a central hollow channel and a piezoelectric transducer received within and secured to the body. The piezoelectric transducer has a hollow portion concentric with the central hollow channel. A tubular member is associated with and in communication with the piezoelectric transducer. The tubular member has at least one open end formed concentric with the central hollow channel and the hollow portion of the piezoelectric transducer, wherein the transducer is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the tubular member.