Torsion-Spring Conduit Insertion for Precise Cannula Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulin infusion systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably inserting fluid conduits, such as tubing and cannulas, into subcutaneous tissue for diabetes management.
Innovation Solution
A torsional insertion mechanism using a torsion spring to rotate a crank, which drives an insertion assembly with a trocar slider and conduit carrier to pierce tissue, allowing for the insertion of a flexible tube or cannula, and includes a trigger mechanism for controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional insertion mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the insertion efficiency and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion assembly is divided into separate functional components: a trocar slider for tissue piercing, a conduit carrier for housing the flexible tube, and a crank mechanism for controlled movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall insertion efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a torsion spring that rotates a crank to drive the insertion assembly, and a trocar slider that can separate from the conduit carrier upon piercing tissue. These dynamic components enable adaptive, efficient insertion while maintaining controlled movement throughout the procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual insertion methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the insertion precision and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring mechanism provides inherent feedback through its rotational movement, which drives the crank and insertion assembly with controlled force. The trigger mechanism also provides feedback to control when the torsion spring rotates, enabling precise insertion depth control without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated torsion spring-driven crank mechanism. This substitution provides more consistent and precise insertion control while reducing the operational complexity for the user, as the mechanical system automatically manages the insertion forces and movements.
3Reliability
If the trocar slider remains attached to the conduit carrier, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of tissue piercing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion assembly is segmented into a trocar slider and a conduit carrier that can separate from each other. The trocar slider is specifically designed for tissue piercing and can detach when it has fulfilled its function, while the conduit carrier maintains the inserted flexible tube. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring the piercing function is dedicated and effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The trocar slider is pre-configured to separate from the conduit carrier upon piercing tissue, as indicated by the configuration described in the patent. This preliminary design ensures that the piercing function is optimized independently, improving reliability without requiring complex ongoing control mechanisms.
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
Facilitates efficient and controlled insertion of fluid conduits into subcutaneous tissue, ensuring reliable fluid communication with medicament reservoirs, while maintaining a sealed and efficient fluid pathway.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring configured to rotate a crank based on a difference between a first spring state and a second spring state
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring configured to exert a linear force based on a difference between a compressed state and an uncompressed state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are techniques related to insertion of a fluid conduit (e.g., tubing connected to a fluid reservoir or a cannula sharing a pre-assembled fluid pathway with such tubing). In some embodiments, an insertion mechanism may include one or more springs (e.g., a torsion spring or a compression spring). The one or more springs may cause a trocar or a trocar slider to pierce tissue and insert the fluid conduit. The one or more springs may further cause the trocar or the trocar slider to be removed from the tissue.