Sensor Insertion Device Quiet Needle Withdrawal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor insertion devices cause discomfort to patients due to the loud snapping noise produced when the guide needle is withdrawn from the upper arm, as it relies on spring force for needle extraction.

Innovation Solution

The sensor insertion device features rotatably supported arms that allow the guide needle to be pulled out through rotation, eliminating the need for spring force and thus minimizing discomfort by avoiding the snapping noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If spring force is used to withdraw the guide needle from the patient's upper arm, then the guide needle can be automatically pulled out after sensor insertion, but a loud snapping noise is produced causing patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic needle withdrawalVSAvoidpatient discomfort due to snapping noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful snapping noise by removing the spring mechanism that causes the loud sound. Instead of using spring force to withdraw the guide needle, the patent employs an alternative mechanism (arm rotation driven by handle depression) that achieves needle withdrawal without the harmful snapping sound, thereby eliminating the source of patient discomfort while maintaining automatic withdrawal functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the spring-based mechanical withdrawal system with an arm rotation mechanism. The handle depression rotates the arm, which in turn withdraws the guide needle through a different mechanical pathway that does not produce the harmful snapping noise, substituting the problematic mechanical system with a quieter alternative

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the guide needle hits the stopper to come to a stop during withdrawal, then the needle extraction is completed, but the loud snap increases patient fear and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle extraction completionVSAvoidpatient fear due to loud snap

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful loud snap into a beneficial quiet operation by eliminating the stopper impact mechanism. The arm rotation system provides controlled needle withdrawal that completes the extraction task without the harmful impact sound, effectively converting the harmful stopping mechanism into a beneficial silent completion process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies beforehand cushioning by designing the arm rotation mechanism to gradually withdraw the needle without sudden impact. The rotational motion provides a cushioned, controlled withdrawal process that prevents the harmful snap before it can occur, ensuring patient comfort throughout the extraction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3766420B1Sensor insertion device

Publication Date: 2022.05.04 PHC HLDG CORP

Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4

AI summary

A sensor insertion device (1) comprises a sheath (14), a handle (15), an operating body (20) provided in the handle (15), a carrier (16) provided below the operating body (20), a guide needle unit holder (24a) that provided at the lower end of the carrier (16) and detachably holds a guide needle (23) that guides a sensor (4) in the insertion direction, and an arm (27) that is rotatably supported by the cylindrical portion (25) of the sheath (14). The arm (27) has an outer end portion (28) disposed outside the sheath (14) and an inner end portion (29) disposed inside the sheath (14). The handle (15) has an arm operation surface (30) that abuts on the outer end portion (28) of the arm (27). The carrier (16) has a ceiling (32) that abuts on the inner end portion (29) of the arm (27).