Twist-to-charge Lancing Device Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices pose challenges for users with reduced manual dexterity due to the need for two-handed operation and excessive force to overcome friction during charging, and their assembly process is complex and costly, requiring specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lancing device with a charging mechanism that uses a rotatable handle to rotate a first cam member, which axially displaces a second cam member to retract the lancet carrier, allowing for one-handed operation and simplified assembly along a single axis, reducing the need for costly assembly equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional charging mechanism is used that requires pulling or pushing an actuator handle away from the device body, then the drive mechanism can be charged, but users with reduced manual dexterity find it difficult to operate and excessive force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional charging motion from linear pulling/pushing to rotational twisting. Instead of moving the handle away from the device body along the axis of the spring, the handle rotates about the axis of the drive spring. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage and reduces the force required, making it easier for users with reduced manual dexterity to charge the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging mechanism transitions from one-dimensional linear motion (pulling/pushing the handle) to two-dimensional rotational motion (twisting the handle). This dimensional change allows the user to apply torque rather than direct linear force, reducing the effort needed to compress the drive spring and charge the lancet drive mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-step assembly processes including welding and snapping are used, then the lancing device can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires costly specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (housing portions, lancet carrier, drive spring, and charging mechanism) into a more integrated assembly that can be constructed in a single step. By designing the components to fit together through snap-fitting or friction-fit along a single axis, the need for separate welding and snapping operations is eliminated, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled together. The housing is divided into portions that can be separately formed and then joined through simple snap-fitting operations, allowing for flexible manufacturing and assembly without requiring complex integrated tooling.
3Productivity
If traditional assembly methods requiring pneumatic presses and multiple steps are used, then the device can be assembled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The components are designed to assemble themselves through elastic deformation and snap-fitting mechanisms. When the housing portions are brought together along the assembly axis, the elastic elements automatically engage the corresponding features without requiring external pressing equipment, eliminating the need for expensive pneumatic presses and reducing production costs.
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 solution enables easier, one-handed charging with reduced force requirement and streamlined assembly, improving user accessibility and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A lancing device includes a housing, a lancet carrier translational within the housing, a drive spring for propelling the lancet carrier through a translational lancing stroke, and a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism includes a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier to a retracted or charged state.