Vacuum Microneedle Blood Sampling With Snap-Dome Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining blood or other fluids from the skin require sophisticated equipment and training, making them impractical for use in non-medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible concave member and a needle mechanism that moves between configurations, coupled with a vacuum chamber, allows for simple, high-speed, and low-profile insertion of microneedles into the skin for fluid delivery or reception, using a deployment actuator for efficient blood extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phlebotomy equipment (evacuated tubes, hypodermic needles, syringes) is used, then blood sampling can be performed, but the device complexity and training requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional phlebotomy components (needle, vacuum chamber, blood collection tube, activation mechanism) into a single integrated device. The hollow needle is directly connected to the vacuum chamber which contains the collection tube, and the entire assembly is activated by a simple button press, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable blood sampling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions in a single unit: the hollow needle performs both skin penetration and blood collection, the vacuum chamber provides both negative pressure generation and blood storage, and the flexible membrane serves as both a seal and an activation trigger. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective blood sampling operation
2Reliability
If traditional phlebotomy procedures are used, then blood can be obtained, but the ease of operation decreases due to sophisticated training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-contained and self-activating. The flexible membrane is pre-loaded in a sealed position, and when the user presses the activation button, the membrane automatically breaks the seal and initiates blood flow into the vacuum chamber without requiring the operator to manually manipulate multiple components or understand complex procedures. This makes the device easy to operate while maintaining reliable blood sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The device is prepared in advance with the flexible membrane already positioned and sealed, the vacuum chamber evacuated, and the collection tube in place. All complex preparations are done beforehand, allowing the user to simply press a button to activate the blood sampling process, greatly simplifying operation while ensuring reliable function
3Quantity of substance
If conventional blood sampling equipment is used, then adequate blood can be collected, but the device profile and insertion speed increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the collection tube is placed inside the vacuum chamber, and the flexible membrane is folded within the chamber. The hollow needle passes through the membrane and into the collection tube. This nesting allows all components to be contained within a compact footprint, reducing the device profile while maintaining adequate blood collection volume through the nested arrangement
4Reliability
If traditional needles are used, then blood can be drawn, but the pain and complexity of insertion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic pressure differential (vacuum) to drive blood flow. The vacuum chamber creates negative pressure that draws blood through the hollow needle and into the collection tube automatically once the flexible membrane seal is broken. This eliminates the need for complex manual aspiration techniques or multiple needle manipulations, reducing insertion complexity while ensuring reliable blood flow initiation
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
Enables easy, pain-reduced, and efficient blood extraction with minimal training, suitable for non-medical settings, using a one-piece mechanism with high acceleration and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber having a pressure less than atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
movement of the flexible concave member from the first configuration to the second configuration creates a fluid communication pathway between the vacuum chamber and the applicator region
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for delivering and/or receiving a substance or substances such as blood from subjects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for receiving or extracting blood from a subject, e.g., from the skin and/or from beneath the skin, using devices containing a substance transfer component (for example, one or more needles or microneedles) and a reduced pressure or vacuum chamber having an internal pressure less than atmospheric pressure prior to receiving blood. In some embodiments, the device may contain a “snap dome” or other deformable structure, which may be used, at least in part, to urge or move needles or other suitable substance transfer components into the skin of a subject. In some cases, for example, the device may contain a flexible concave member and a needle mechanically coupled to the flexible concave member such that the needle may be urged or moved into the skin using the flexible concave member. Other aspects of the present invention are directed at other devices for receiving blood (or other bodily fluids, e.g., interstitial fluid), kits involving such devices, methods of making such devices, methods of using such devices, and the like.