Threshold-Triggered Inserter Device for Automatic Needle Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug infusion systems require manual control of insertion needle force during cannula insertion, which can be painful and inconvenient for users, and may not provide a consistent or comfortable experience due to varying mechanical complexities and potential gaps at the insertion site.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inserter device with a guard mechanism that inhibits insertion unless a compressive force exceeds a threshold, allowing for sudden and rapid movement, mimicking an automatic insertion mechanism, and featuring a retraction mechanism for automatic needle withdrawal, thereby reducing user discomfort and mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual insertion control is used, then user control over insertion speed is improved, but user discomfort and pain increase due to inconsistent force application
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion mechanism uses the user's own applied force to drive the insertion process. The spring-loaded mechanism converts the user's compressive force into controlled needle advancement, making the system self-regulating rather than requiring active control inputs throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the insertion process from manual force modulation to a threshold-triggered mechanical response. By changing from continuous manual control to a binary trigger mechanism (below/above threshold), the system achieves more consistent insertion parameters and reduces variability in user experience.
2Reliability
If automatic insertion mechanism is used, then insertion consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's manual force and the needle insertion process. This mechanical mediator translates variable user input into consistent insertion motion, achieving automaticity without requiring complex electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential electronic or motorized automatic insertion systems with a purely mechanical spring-loaded threshold trigger mechanism. This substitution maintains insertion consistency while minimizing device complexity by using passive mechanical elements rather than active control systems.
3Device complexity
If manual needle retraction is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but infection risk increases due to potential gaps at insertion site
Solution Approach 1:
The needle retraction mechanism automatically performs the retraction function without requiring manual user action. The spring-loaded system that drives insertion also provides the retractile force to pull the needle back, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate manual retraction steps that could compromise sterility.
4Strength
If shift head design is used, then mechanical robustness is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the needle assembly from the main infusion pump body, allowing the needle to be inserted through the skin while the larger pump mechanism remains external. This segmentation enables a compact insertion interface while maintaining the robustness of a larger pump system for the actual infusion function.
Data Source
AI summary
Inserter devices provide manual insertion of an insertion needle and cannula and subsequent automatic retraction of the insertion needle. The inserter devices include insertion guards that inhibit insertion of the insertion needle and cannula unless a compressive force applied to the device exceeds a threshold. As the user applies more compressive force, the device remains unactuated until the threshold-force is exceeded, whereupon the movement is sudden and rapid. As a result, it feels to the user that the insertion is being driven by an automatic insertion mechanism.