Single-Button Skin Puncture Device for Diabetic Blood Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin puncturing devices for blood sampling are complex and require multiple user interactions, which can be challenging for older diabetic patients with vision and grip issues.

Innovation Solution

A simplified skin puncturing device with a minimized number of control elements, featuring an oblong main body, a cup for lancet protection, a puncturing mechanism with depth regulation, and a single-button actuator for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple control elements are used in the puncturing device, then the device functionality is complete, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated button mechanism. The button simultaneously controls lancet ejection, depth regulation, and safety locking, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function. This merging of functions directly reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for diabetic patients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single button serves multiple purposes: it acts as a safety lock, a depth regulator, and an ejection trigger. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the user interface while preserving complete device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple control elements are used in the puncturing device, then the device functionality is complete, but the number of user interactions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of user interactionsVSAvoidnumber of control elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control operations into a single button press sequence. Instead of requiring separate interactions for safety engagement, depth selection, and lancet ejection, the unified button mechanism consolidates these into one intuitive interaction flow, reducing the number of user actions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The button mechanism is pre-configured with spring-loaded components and cam surfaces that automatically perform intermediate actions. When the user presses the button, preliminary spring tension and mechanical linkages automatically execute depth regulation and safety disengagement before the final ejection action, reducing the cognitive and physical burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the device structure is simplified, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates spring elements and friction-based locking mechanisms that provide built-in safety margins. The spring-loaded button requires a specific force threshold to activate, preventing accidental ejection, while friction locks ensure the lancet remains securely positioned during depth adjustment. These cushioning mechanisms maintain reliability despite the simplified single-button interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical design uses self-locking features and spring-return mechanisms that automatically maintain safe states without user intervention. The button automatically returns to its locked position after use, and the lancet positioning system self-regulates through cam surfaces and friction contacts, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device allows for single-handed operation with minimal risk of accidental punctures, enhanced safety during lancet changes, and reduced complexity, making it easier for users with dexterity issues to perform blood sampling.

Implementation Method 1

drive spring of the lancet guiding unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

return spring of the lancet guiding unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12268503B2Patient's skin-puncturing devices
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 HTL STREFA SPOLKA Z O O
  • US12268503B2 patent drawing
  • US12268503B2 patent drawing
  • US12268503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A skin-puncturing device may include: a main body; a cup configured to close the main body; a puncturing mechanism with a lancet guiding unit; a drive spring of the lancet guiding unit; a driving sleeve; a return spring of the lancet guiding unit; a button configured to tension the drive spring; a member configured to release the tension of the drive spring; a puncture depth regulation mechanism; and a used lancet removal mechanism. The driving sleeve may be configured to rotate within the casing, to slide toward a front part of the device, and to slide toward a back part of the device. The puncture depth regulation mechanism may include: the button, rotary-coupled with the driving sleeve; limiting steps that define relative puncture depths for selection by the driving sleeve; and a bumper of the driving sleeve configured to engage a selected one of the limiting steps.