Thermosensitive Cannula Piercing Mechanism for Compact Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piercing devices for medical administration require complex and expensive mechanical or thermal actuators, necessitating a large construction space.
Innovation Solution
A piercing device utilizing an elastic element with a thermosensitive securing element, where a biasing force is generated to pierce the skin, and a heating element deforms the securing element to release the cannula, eliminating the need for additional actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators or thermal elements are used to trigger the piercing mechanism, then the piercing function can be achieved, but the device complexity and construction space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element performs dual functions: it secures the cannula unit in the initial position through its elastic bias, and simultaneously serves as the triggering mechanism when its thermosensitive area deforms. This eliminates the need for separate actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining the piercing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuators (motors, solenoids, or mechanical springs) with a thermally-activated deformation mechanism. The heating element induces localized deformation in the thermosensitive area of the securing element, which then releases the cannula unit using its pre-stored elastic energy, substituting mechanical actuation with a thermal-mechanical coupling approach.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical actuators or thermal elements are used to trigger the piercing mechanism, then the piercing function can be achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it provides the biasing force to hold the cannula unit, acts as the release mechanism when heated, and serves as part of the triggering system. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device volume by eliminating separate actuators and their associated mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the securing function and the triggering function into a single integrated securing element. The elastic element and securing element work together as a unified mechanism where the deformation of the securing element's thermosensitive area directly releases the cannula unit, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one compact assembly.
3Reliability
If expensive mechanical actuators are used, then reliable piercing can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component made from thermoplastic material that can be easily manufactured through injection molding. The heating element is a basic resistive heater that can be integrated into the disposable unit at low cost. This approach replaces expensive, complex actuators with simple, disposable components that are cost-effective to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the securing element's thermosensitive area through localized heating. This parameter change (temperature increase) causes the material to deform and release the cannula unit. This approach uses simple thermal parameters rather than complex mechanical control systems, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables a simple, cost-effective, and compact mechanism for cannula insertion and withdrawal, reducing the need for complex actuators and minimizing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (41) with which the thermosensitive area (52) of the securing element (50) can be heated
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element (80) with which a biasing or prestressing force for piercing can be generated
Data Source
AI summary
A piercing device for an administration device includes an elastic element with which a biasing force may be generated for piercing, a base, and a cannula unit which may be movable relative to the base in a piercing direction from a safety (secured) position, where the cannula unit may be subjected to the biasing force in the piercing direction. The administration device further includes a securing element by which the cannula unit, subjected to the biasing force, may be held in the safety position and which has a thermosensitive region that may be deformable under mechanical stress when heated, and a heating element with which the thermosensitive region of the securing element may be heated, such that the thermosensitive region of the securing element may deform in response to the biasing force and, as a result, the cannula unit may move away from the safety position in the piercing direction.