Sensor Injector With Automatic Spring-Loaded Cannula Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injectors for transcutaneously introducing sensors into patients lack safety and user comfort during the injection and ejection processes, requiring manual energy for ejection, which can lead to user error and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

An injector with a locking mechanism and ejection element that automatically initiates the ejection process after injection, using stored energy to pull the cannula out of the patient, eliminating the need for manual force and reducing the risk of user error or patient discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual ejection operation is required after injection, then the user can control the ejection timing, but user error and patient discomfort may occur due to manual force application

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection element is designed to automatically eject the cannula from the patient's body after the sensor has been implanted. The system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that stores energy during the injection process and automatically releases it to pull the cannula out, eliminating the need for manual ejection operations by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection element is pre-loaded with stored energy in the form of a compressed spring during the injection operation. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to automatically perform the ejection action without requiring additional manual force from the user after injection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If manual force is applied during injection for ejection preparation, then the ejection energy can be provided, but tilting or displacement of the injector may occur leading to injury or erroneous sensor placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection energyVSAvoidpatient injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection element stores energy in advance during the injection operation through a pre-loaded spring mechanism. This allows the ejection energy to be provided without requiring additional manual force from the user during or after injection, thereby preventing injector displacement or tilting that could cause harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The injection and ejection functions are separated into distinct operational phases. The injection element handles the insertion phase, while the ejection element handles the removal phase. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, with the ejection element providing dedicated energy for cannula removal without interfering with the injection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If the ejection spring is compressed during injection operation, then the ejection energy is stored, but the injection force required from the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection energy storageVSAvoidinjection force

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses separate elements for injection and ejection functions. The injection element is designed to minimize the force required from the user during insertion, while the ejection element with its pre-loaded spring provides the necessary energy for cannula removal without requiring additional user force during the injection phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection spring is pre-compressed and locked in position before the injection operation begins. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to accumulate ejection energy without requiring the user to exert additional force during the injection process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 injector enhances safety and user comfort by automating the ejection process, ensuring reliable cannula removal without manual force application, thereby minimizing the risk of maladjustment or injury to the patient.

Implementation Method 1

an ejection element for automatically pulling the cannula out of the patient counter to the injection direction by the ejection element in an ejection operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11672445B2Injector for transcutaneously introducing a sensor into a patient

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 EYESENSE GMBH

AI summary

An injector for transcutaneously introducing a sensor into a patient, including a cannula, a base element, a sliding element arranged displaceably on the base element, for transcutaneously introducing the cannula into the patient in an injection direction, and including an ejection element for automatically pulling the cannula out of the patient counter to the injection direction by the ejection element in an ejection operation. The injector has a locking element for the ejection element such that, in a delivery state, the ejection element is lockable in an energy-charged state, and the sliding element and the locking element are configured to interact indirectly or directly in order, in an injection state, when the cannula is introduced transcutaneously into the patient, to release the locking of the ejection element in order automatically to start the ejection operation.