Sensor Insertion Apparatus Dual Elastic Energy Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor insertion devices face challenges in shortening the time for needle insertion and removal, which affects patient comfort, and require complex spring balance mechanisms, making it difficult to achieve efficient reuse of the needle member.

Innovation Solution

A sensor insertion device with a dual elastic member system and an elastic energy variable mechanism that allows for simultaneous deformation of first and second elastic members to achieve energy accumulation states, enabling faster insertion and removal of the needle member, and allowing for the device to be reused with a disposable replacement part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a drive spring and return spring are used to move the needle member for insertion and removal, then the needle member can be inserted and removed, but the time taken for insertion and removal cannot be further shortened due to the need to balance the spring forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of needle insertion and removalVSAvoidcomplexity of spring balance mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a reusable sensor insertion device and a disposable replacement part. The replacement part includes the needle member and sensor, which are discarded after single use, while the insertion device is reused. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex spring balance mechanisms in the reusable portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The needle member and sensor are designed as disposable replacement parts that are attached to the reusable insertion device for single-use insertion procedures, then discarded. This allows the expensive insertion device to be reused without contamination or wear concerns.

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

2Loss of time

If the needle member is reused to reduce costs, then disposal costs decrease, but the time for insertion and removal must be minimized to reduce patient pain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for needle insertion and removalVSAvoidpatient pain during insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle member is pre-loaded into the sensor housing within the replacement part before use. The insertion device is pre-configured with the replacement part attached, so that insertion can begin immediately without assembly delays, minimizing the time the needle is in the patient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion and removal process is designed to be rapid and continuous. The needle member is quickly inserted to the required depth, the sensor is deployed, and the needle is rapidly withdrawn, minimizing the duration of patient discomfort throughout the entire procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 time for needle insertion and removal, enhancing patient comfort and enabling the reuse of the sensor insertion device with a disposable replacement part, thus reducing costs and simplifying the process.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic member (5) capable of accumulating first elastic energy to move the sensor (101) and the needle member (102) to an insertion position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a second elastic member (6) capable of accumulating second elastic energy to move the needle member (102) from the insertion position to a removal position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an elastic energy variable mechanism (7) capable of elastically deforming the first elastic member (5) and the second elastic member (6) by compressive deformation to achieve an energy accumulated state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressive deformation: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3269306B1Sensor insertion apparatus and replaceable device
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 TERUMO KK
  • EP3269306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3269306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3269306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor insertion device includes a first elastic member; a second elastic member; an elastic energy variable mechanism configured to elastically deform the first elastic member and the second elastic member to achieve an energy accumulated state; a first holding mechanism configured to hold position of the first elastic member in the energy accumulated state; and a second holding mechanism configured to hold position of the second elastic member in the energy accumulated state for a period of time during which, after the release of the first elastic member from the first holding mechanism in the energy accumulated state, the needle member is moved to the insertion position by the first elastic energy.