Uni-directional Lancing Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lancing devices often cause user discomfort and pain due to oscillation and multiple punctures from drive mechanisms relying on spring balances, and depth-control mechanisms that result in impact and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A lancing device with a drive mechanism that uses a continuous uni-directional motion and resilient biasing members to propel a lancet along a defined lancing stroke, eliminating oscillation and multiple sticks, and incorporating a drive crank mechanism with biasing members to limit rotation and ensure smooth lancet movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drive mechanism relying on balance between two linear springs is used, then the lancet can be driven and retracted, but the lancet may pierce the subject multiple times due to oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a first spring for driving the lancet forward, a second spring for retracting the lancet, and a depth-control mechanism with a stop member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing the oscillation caused by balanced spring forces while ensuring controlled single-puncture operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth-control mechanism is pre-configured with a stop member that limits the forward travel of the lancet carrier before puncture occurs. This preliminary action prevents excessive penetration and ensures the lancet stops at the predetermined depth without oscillating or piercing multiple times, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If depth-control mechanisms stopping forward motion by contact with stop surface are used, then penetration depth can be controlled, but impact, vibration or sound can be perceived by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The depth-control mechanism incorporates a stop member that engages with the lancet carrier at a predetermined position before the lancet tip reaches the skin surface. This beforehand cushioning ensures the lancet is precisely positioned and stopped without excessive force or impact, eliminating vibration and sound perception while maintaining accurate penetration depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member acts as an intermediary element between the drive mechanism and the lancet carrier. It mediates the stopping action by providing a controlled engagement point that prevents direct impact, thereby reducing vibration and sound while ensuring precise depth control. The stop member translates the driving force into a controlled stop without harmful effects.
3Productivity
If spring balance drive mechanisms are used, then the lancet can be propelled forward and retracted, but oscillation creates potential for multiple skin pricks
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent driving and retracting spring mechanisms, with the depth-control stop member further dividing the functional stages. This segmentation ensures that the lancet is propelled forward with controlled force, stops precisely at the predetermined depth, and is then retracted, eliminating oscillation and ensuring reliable single-puncture operation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth-control mechanism provides feedback through the stop member engagement, which signals when the lancet has reached the predetermined penetration depth. This feedback mechanism prevents over-penetration and oscillation by automatically stopping the forward motion at the correct position, thereby ensuring reliable single-puncture accuracy while maintaining efficient lancet propulsion and retraction.
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 minimizes discomfort and pain by eliminating oscillation and multiple punctures, providing a smooth and controlled lancing process with reduced impact, enhancing user compliance and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least two biasing members for energizing the drive crank mechanism and limiting a degree of rotation of the crank member
Data Source
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AI summary
A lancing device (10) having a drive mechanism (70) whereby unidirectional motion of the drive mechanism drives a lancet along an advancing portion and a retraction portion of a lancing stroke. A rotationally mounted crank member (102) or a translationally mounted shuttle of the drive mechanism operate upon an associated linkage (90) and/or a cam path (290) portion of the lancet carrier (80) to drive the carrier along the lancing stroke. Spring biased members optionally drive the mechanism and/or limit its extent of travel.