Sensor Insertion Device Dual Spring Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor insertion devices face challenges in shortening the time required for inserting and pulling out needle members, which affects the pain experienced by patients and the efficiency of the operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor insertion device with a configuration that includes a housing, a needle member, a first urging member for insertion, a second urging member for pulling out, and a switching mechanism to selectively switch between the urging forces of these members, allowing for automatic and coordinated insertion and removal of the needle member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a coil spring is used to automatically perform insertion and pulling out of the needle member, then the time required for manual operations is reduced, but the balance between driving and retrieving spring forces becomes complex and difficult to design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single spring system into two separate springs: a driving spring for insertion and a retrieving spring for pulling out. This segmentation allows each spring to be independently designed and optimized, eliminating the complex force balance requirements of a single spring system while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a plunger as an intermediary component that mediates between the driving spring and the needle member during insertion, and between the retrieving spring and the needle member during pulling out. This intermediary allows the two spring systems to operate independently without direct interaction, simplifying the overall design.
2Force
If the urging force of the retrieving spring acts to reduce the urging force of the driving spring during insertion, then the overall system force requirement is reduced, but the insertion speed and efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the driving and retrieving functions into two independent spring systems, each spring can be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other. The driving spring can be designed to provide maximum insertion force and speed, while the retrieving spring can be optimized for rapid pulling out, eliminating the force trade-off present in single-spring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving spring is pre-loaded to store elastic energy before insertion. When activated, this stored energy is rapidly converted to kinetic energy, enabling high-speed insertion without requiring continuous force application. Similarly, the retrieving spring is pre-positioned to immediately engage and pull out the needle at high speed.
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
This configuration enables faster insertion and removal of the needle member, reducing the time and pain associated with the procedure while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first urging member configured to urge the needle member in the insertion direction to move the needle member to a first position
Implementation Method 2
a second urging member configured to urge the needle member in the pulling-out direction to move the needle member that has reached the first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor insertion device includes: a housing; a needle member comprising a needle portion configured to be inserted in the living body with a sensor and to be movable in the housing in an insertion direction and a pulling-out direction; a first urging member configured to urge the needle member in the insertion direction to move the needle member to a first position; a second urging member configured to urge the needle member in the pulling-out direction to move the needle member that has reached the first position to a second position; and a switching mechanism configured to perform selective switching from movement of the needle member by an urging force of the first urging member to movement of the needle member by an urging force of the second urging member when the needle member reaches the first position.