Subcutaneous Tunneling Tool With Depth Guard Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunneling devices for creating subcutaneous pockets under the skin surface often result in inconsistent depth and angle, leading to difficulties in maintaining sensor communication and removal.
Innovation Solution
A tunneling tool with a handle, a rod, and first and second prongs, where the rod extends farther than the prongs, and the prongs act as depth and angle limiters, ensuring consistent pocket creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional tunneling device is used to create a subcutaneous pocket, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the depth and angle of the pocket vary significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions of the tunneling device components. The rod is made longer than the prongs, and the prongs are positioned at specific angles (first angle and second angle) relative to the rod. These dimensional and angular parameters are carefully selected to automatically limit the insertion depth and control the insertion angle, ensuring consistent pocket formation without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The prongs serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the operator and the skin surface. By positioning the prongs to extend from the handle at specific angles and lengths, they act as mechanical guides that automatically constrain the rod's insertion path. This intermediary structure provides passive depth and angle control, eliminating the need for active control systems while maintaining precision.
2Ease of operation
If the subcutaneous pocket is created too deep, then the sensor may be harder to remove, but creating a shallower pocket may compromise sensor functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the tunneling device with prongs of a specific length that extends beyond the rod's intended insertion depth. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that during the insertion process, the prongs automatically contact and rest on the skin surface first, thereby pre-limiting the maximum depth the rod can reach. This prevents over-insertion before the sensor is even placed, ensuring the pocket is created at the optimal depth for both sensor functionality and easy removal.
3Device complexity
If the tunneling device lacks depth and angle control features, then the device structure is simple, but the variability in pocket creation is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the prongs with unequal lengths relative to each other, with the first prong having a different length than the second prong. The prongs are also positioned at different angles (first angle and second angle) relative to the rod. This asymmetric configuration creates distinct geometric constraints that guide the rod along a precise insertion path, automatically controlling both depth and angle without requiring symmetric or complex mechanical control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one aspect, a tunneling tool for creating a subcutaneous pocket below a skin surface is provided. The tunneling tool may include a handle, a rod, a first prong, and a second prong. The rod and the first and second prongs may extend from a first end of the handle. The rod may extend farther from the first end of the handle than the first and second prongs and be configured to create the subcutaneous pocket. The first and second prongs may be configured to limit the depth at which the rod is capable of creating the subcutaneous pocket. The first and second prong may comprise first and second length indicators, respectively, configured to indicate a length of the subcutaneous pocket formed by the rod. In another aspect, a method of creating a subcutaneous pocket using the tunneling tool is provided.