Spring-Driven Needle Insertion And Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication delivery devices face challenges in providing reliable and cost-effective needle insertion and retraction mechanisms that are space-efficient and suitable for repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism comprising a drive module and a needle insertion and retraction module, where the needle insertion and retraction module can be detached and replaced, utilizing a drive shaft and spring members to automate needle insertion and retraction, with a control element controlling the movement of the needle carrier and spike carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the needle insertion and retraction module is made detachable and replaceable, then the drive module can be used multiple times reducing cost, but the device complexity increases due to multiple modules and attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct modules: a reusable drive module and disposable needle insertion/retraction modules. This segmentation allows the complex needle handling functions to be isolated in replaceable units, making the overall system more cost-effective while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle insertion and retraction module is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after use. This eliminates the need to clean, sterilize, and maintain the needle mechanism, reducing long-term costs and improving ease of manufacture despite the added complexity of the replacement system.
2Reliability
If spring members are used to automate needle insertion and retraction, then reliability is improved, but the volume of the device increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring members are integrated within the needle insertion and retraction module housing, nesting the mechanical actuation components within the existing structural boundaries. This minimizes the overall volume increase while maintaining the reliability benefits of spring-driven automated needle movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring members provide dynamic, elastic force for needle insertion and retraction, replacing more bulky rigid mechanical actuation systems. The elastic deformation of springs allows compact energy storage and release, achieving reliable automated movement with minimal volume.
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
Ensures reliable and efficient needle insertion and retraction, allowing for multiple uses of the drive module and reducing space requirements, while maintaining sterility and minimizing material contact with medicament.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring member (31) which is adapted to move the needle carrier (20) with respect to the housing (10) in a needle insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
a second spring member (32) which is adapted to retract the needle carrier (20) with respect to the housing (10) in a needle retraction direction
Data Source
AI summary
A needle insertion and retraction mechanism for a medication delivery device includes a housing and a needle carrier holding a needle guided by the housing and moved along a needle axis. A first spring member is adapted to move the carrier in an insertion direction. A second spring member is adapted to retract the carrier in a retraction direction, opposite the insertion direction. A control element, linearly guided by the housing, moves transversely to the needle axis from a starting position, via a needle insertion release position, to a needle retraction release position. When the control element is in its starting position, the control element is coupled to the carrier to prevent the carrier from moving in the insertion direction. When the control element is in the release position, the control element is decoupled from the carrier and the first spring member drives the carrier in the needle insertion direction.