Spring-Loaded Inserter Device for Subcutaneous Needle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical insertion devices cause physiological and psychological distress due to the need for manual force application, risk of contamination, and exposure to potentially infected needles, leading to inaccurate dosing and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A user-activated inserter device with a primary spring for subcutaneous insertion and automatic retraction, featuring a cover that conceals the needle and prevents accidental contact, along with a secondary spring for retraction, ensuring the spring is only biased upon use and minimizing exposure to contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual force application is required for insertion, then the device structure can be simpler, but user discomfort and psychological distress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device uses a spring mechanism that automatically propels the needle upon activation, eliminating the need for manual force application by the user. The spring stores energy and releases it to perform the insertion action, making the device self-serving rather than relying on user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded or pre-positioned in a ready state before use, with the insertion action triggered by a simple activation mechanism. This preliminary preparation allows the device to perform the insertion automatically without requiring the user to apply force during the actual insertion moment.
2Ease of operation
If the needle is exposed for longer periods, then the device can remain accessible, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is housed within a protective outer casing or hub structure that encloses it during storage and transport. The needle can be extended or exposed only when needed for insertion, and automatically retracts or remains concealed within the protective structure when not in use, minimizing exposure time and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion mechanism is designed to rapidly deploy the needle from the protective hub to the insertion site and then quickly retract or secure it, minimizing the time the needle is exposed to potential contamination. The spring-driven mechanism enables swift action rather than prolonged exposure.
3Force
If the spring is biased before use, then insertion force is ready, but shelf life and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism transitions from an unbiassed or loosely biased state during storage to a fully biased state upon activation. The device structure allows the spring to be dynamically loaded or tensioned only when needed, rather than maintaining constant high tension that would degrade the spring over time. This dynamic state change preserves spring reliability during shelf storage while ensuring adequate insertion force during use.
4Reliability
If complex safety mechanisms are added to prevent misfiring, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic safety mechanism where the spring is designed to release in a controlled manner only under specific activation conditions. The hub or activation mechanism includes inherent features that prevent accidental discharge, such as requiring a specific triggering action or having the spring engaged in a locked position that can only be released through the intended activation sequence.
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 reduces user discomfort, minimizes contamination risks, and ensures accurate needle insertion and retraction, enhancing safety and hygiene in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a primary spring (6) which moves the hub (5) for the insertion needle (4) relative to the cover (2)
Implementation Method 2
According to one embodiment the inserter device comprises a secondary spring (7). A secondary spring can e.g. provide moving the needle hub (5) to a retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
The present application relates to an inserter device for inserting a medical device subcutaneous Iy which inserter device comprises a housing (1); a cover (2) which is slidably connected to the housing (1); a hub (5) for an insertion needle (4) which can be moved linearly relative to the housing (1) and relative to the cover (2); a primary spring (6) which moves the hub (5) for the insertion needle (4) relative to the cover (2) and which primary spring (6) is configured to pull the hub (5) for the insertion needle (4) either to a forward or to a retracted position wherein the inserter device further comprises means for biasing the primary spring (6) before insertion.