Safety syringe with rotary sleeve lock
The design of safety syringe is simplified by rotating sleeve locking mechanism, and the problems of many parts, high materials and reusing in the prior art are solved, achieving the improvement of safety and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380090238.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-30
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing safety syringes have complex designs, many parts, high material demand, and the risk of reuse, resulting in increased costs and infection risks.
A rotary sleeve locking mechanism is adopted to achieve the exposure, retraction and irreversible locking of the needle through the threaded engagement of the sleeve with the lugs on the cylinder, avoiding the use of secondary shields and springs, and simplifying the structure.
Reduces parts quantity and material requirements, reduces complexity, ensures that it cannot be reused after a single use, and improves safety and cost-effectiveness.
Smart Images
Figure CN120456941A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. nonprovisional application serial number 18 / 072,448, filed on November 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to drug delivery devices in which a stopper or plunger is advanced through a reservoir to dispense a drug from the reservoir. Background Art
[0004] A syringe is a pump that has a barrel that can hold a fluid, a plunger that moves within the barrel, and a needle that is used to draw the fluid from the reservoir and inject it into the body during the axial movement of the plunger. Syringes are typically stored in a sterile environment before use to avoid potential infection from bacteria or viruses on the needle or in the barrel. Therefore, a common problem with syringes is the possibility of reuse; reused syringes are a common source of bacteria and viruses (such as HIV). A safety syringe is a syringe that is designed to become inoperable after a single use to prevent reuse.
[0005] There are many types of safety syringes, and many different designs are used to prevent reuse. Various factors increase the material and labor costs of existing safety pen needles, including, for example, the number of parts, molding equipment and operations, the use of springs, and secondary post-processing operations. Current patient-side shield assemblies include a spring subassembly and multiple moving parts. For example, many shield assemblies use a spring and a sleeve that are arranged so that when a mechanical action is performed to rearrange the syringe, the needle is locked in position within the sleeve so that the needle cannot extend beyond the sleeve. A disadvantage of safety syringes is that they typically have more parts, therefore require more material in construction, and are more complex to assemble. In addition, many safety syringes have a large barrel for the sleeve and / or secondary shield. Therefore, there is a need for an improved safety syringe that has a smaller number of parts, lower complexity, and reduced material requirements. Summary of the Invention
[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a safety lock syringe assembly, which comprises: a barrel, the barrel including: a distal end and a proximal end, one or more lugs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the barrel, and a needle extending from the distal end; and a sleeve having a thread engaging the one or more lugs, the sleeve including a sleeve locking mechanism; wherein the sleeve is threadedly rotated in a first direction to a first position, the first position exposing the needle; the sleeve is threadedly rotated in a second direction to a second position, the second position shielding the needle; and the sleeve is threadedly rotated in the second direction to a third position, the third position engaging the one or more lugs with the sleeve locking mechanism to irreversibly lock the shield to the barrel.
[0007] The safety-lock syringe assembly disclosed herein advantageously does not include a secondary shield and spring. Furthermore, the safety-lock syringe assembly includes a rotational locking feature, advantageously comprising a threaded sleeve that engages a lug on the barrel to rotationally move between three positions: an injection position, a guard position, and a locked position. Thus, the safety-lock syringe assembly disclosed herein has a design with fewer parts, less complexity, and reduced material requirements compared to conventional safety syringes in the prior art.
[0008] Additional and / or other aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above and / or other aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a safety lock syringe assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 2 Example Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a cylinder;
[0012] Figures 3A-3B Example Figure 1 A partial side view of the barrel;
[0013] Figure 4 Example Figure 1 A transparent stereogram of a sleeve;
[0014] Figure 5 Example Figure 1 a sectional view of a sleeve;
[0015] Figure 6 Example Figure 1a cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in an initial position;
[0016] Figure 7 Example Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in an initial position;
[0017] Figure 8 Example Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in an injection position;
[0018] Figure 9 Example Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in an injecting position;
[0019] Figure 10 Example Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in a guard position;
[0020] Figure 11 Example Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a safety lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in a shielded position;
[0021] Figure 12 Example Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a safety-lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in a locked position; and
[0022] Figure 13 Example Figure 1 Partial cross-sectional view of a safety-lock syringe assembly with the sleeve in the locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.The embodiments described herein illustrate the present invention by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, but do not limit the invention.
[0024] The embodiments are not intended to be mutually exclusive, thus features of one embodiment may be combined with other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.
[0025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration details and the arrangement details of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings in its application. The embodiments herein can have other embodiments and can be put into practice or executed in a variety of ways. The wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as restrictive. The use of "comprising," "including," or "having" and its variants herein is intended to encompass the following listed items and their equivalents and additional items.
[0026] It should be further understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section.
[0027] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When preceding a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements, not the individual elements within the list. Furthermore, terms such as "unit," "device," and "module" described in this specification refer to elements for performing at least one function or operation and may be implemented using hardware.
[0028] Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connect," "couple," and "mount," and variations thereof, are used broadly herein and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connect" and "couple," and variations thereof, are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Further, terms such as "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "upward," "downward," and other orientation descriptors are intended to facilitate description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the structure of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree such as "substantially" or "approximately" are understood by those skilled in the art to mean a reasonable range around and including a given value, as well as a range beyond a given value, such as general tolerances associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the embodiments. When referring to a structure or feature, the term "substantially" encompasses situations where the feature is mostly or completely conforming.
[0029] Many such exemplary embodiments that are obvious to those skilled in the art to which these exemplary embodiments pertain may not be described in detail herein. Additionally, the various features of the exemplary embodiments may be implemented alone or in any one or more combinations, and those skilled in the art of drug delivery devices will understand this.
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1-13 The safety lock syringe needle assembly 20, also known as a safety twist syringe, is illustrated. The safety lock syringe needle assembly 20 includes a barrel 22 for containing a medium (e.g., an injectable drug such as insulin), the barrel having a circular cross-section and extending along a longitudinal axis A. Figure 2 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B As illustrated in FIG, barrel 22 includes a distal end 23, a proximal end 24, and an outer surface 28. Barrel 22 further includes one or more lugs 30 extending radially from outer surface 28 and opposing each other at distal end 23. Barrel tip 32 extends axially from distal end 23 of barrel 22 and is in fluid communication with barrel 22.
[0031] like Figure 6-13 As illustrated in FIG, the barrel cap 34 is matingly engaged with the barrel end 32. A needle 36 extends axially from the barrel cap 34 and is in fluid communication with the barrel end 43 and the barrel 22. The needle 36 allows the medium to be drawn into the barrel 22 and / or discharged from the barrel. Alternatively, as Figure 3B As seen in FIG, needle 36 extends directly from distal end 23 of barrel 22.
[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 4-13 The sleeve 46 is illustrated as being partially disposed around the distal end 23 of the barrel 22 and the barrel cap 34. The sleeve 46 is configured to prevent needle stick injuries and accidental injections when the sleeve 46 is in a guard or locked position. The sleeve 46 includes one or more internal threads 48 disposed at a distal portion of the sleeve 46, wherein the one or more internal threads 48 are threadedly engaged with the one or more lugs 30. The engagement between the internal threads 48 and the one or more lugs 30 advantageously provides for rotational movement of the sleeve between three positions: an injection position, a guard position, and a locked position.
[0033] The sleeve 46 advantageously includes at least one sleeve locking mechanism 50 threadedly disposed at a proximal end of the internal thread 48 and disposed at a central portion of the sleeve 46. The sleeve locking mechanism 50 is configured to irreversibly engage with the at least one lug 30 when pressed into contact (engagement) with the at least one lug 30. The at least one sleeve locking mechanism 50 includes a sleeve recess 52 (or groove) defined in the sleeve 46 for receiving the at least one lug 30. The sleeve recess 52 includes a sleeve locking surface 54 parallel to the longitudinal axis A and an inclined sleeve ramp surface 56.
[0034] Furthermore, the threads of the sleeve locking mechanism 50 advantageously have a different pitch / lead than the remaining internal threads 48 of the sleeve 46. Specifically, the pitch / lead of the inclined sleeve ramp surface 56 of the sleeve locking mechanism 50 differs from that of the internal threads 48. The inclined sleeve ramp surface 56 provides a continuous travel path for the lug 30 between the internal threads 48 and the threads of the sleeve locking mechanism 50, allowing the lug to enter the sleeve locking mechanism 50. However, the sleeve recess 52 and the sleeve locking surface 54 provide an inflection point in the travel path. This inflection point maintains the travel path for the lug 30 to enter the sleeve locking mechanism 50, but prevents the lug 30 from exiting the sleeve locking mechanism 50, thereby preventing unlocking. Thus, the sleeve locking mechanism 50 advantageously provides smooth locking engagement of the sleeve 46 and prevents the sleeve 46 from being unlocked after the user has locked the sleeve 46 via the sleeve locking mechanism 50.
[0035] Advantageously, the safety-lock syringe assembly 20 does not include a secondary shield other than the sleeve 46. Furthermore, the safety-lock syringe assembly 20 advantageously does not include a spring. For example, no spring is used to move the sleeve 46 or activate the sleeve locking mechanism 50. Instead, the sleeve 46 advantageously includes internal threads 48 and a sleeve locking mechanism 50 that engages the lugs 30 of the barrel 22 to enable needle exposure, retraction, and locking. Thus, the design of the safety-lock syringe assembly 20 disclosed herein advantageously has fewer parts, less complexity, and reduced material requirements compared to conventional safety syringes in the prior art.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment, at least one thread is provided on the outer surface of the barrel, and at least one lug extends inwardly within the sleeve to provide threaded engagement with the at least one thread (not illustrated). For example, the sleeve may include one or more lugs extending radially inwardly and opposing each other. The outer surface of the barrel may include one or more external threads, each of which threadably engages with one of the one or more lugs.
[0037] In this alternative embodiment, the barrel includes at least one barrel locking mechanism (similar to the sleeve locking mechanism described above) that is configured to irreversibly engage at least one lug (not illustrated) when pressed into contact with the at least one lug. The at least one barrel locking mechanism includes a barrel recess defined in an outer surface of the barrel for receiving the at least one lug. The barrel recess includes a barrel locking surface parallel to the longitudinal axis A and an inclined barrel ramp surface.
[0038] The following describes the operation of an exemplary embodiment of the safety lock syringe needle assembly 20. The sleeve 46 is rotated in a first rotational direction (eg, clockwise) from an initial position (eg, Figure 6 and Figure 7Rotation of the sleeve 46 relative to the barrel 22 (best illustrated in FIG) moves the sleeve 46 axially along the longitudinal axis A toward the proximal end 24 of the barrel 22 to expose the needle 36 in the injection position (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). Rotation of the sleeve 46 occurs via engagement of the internal threads 48 of the sleeve 46 with the lugs 30 of the barrel 22. In the initial position, the needle 36 is in a protective, sterile state and ready for use. In the injection position, the needle 36 extends out of the sleeve 46 and is ready to expel or draw medication from or into the barrel 22.
[0039] Starting from the injection position, rotation of the sleeve 46 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) moves the sleeve 46 axially along the longitudinal axis to return to the shielding position (e.g., where the needle 36 is no longer exposed) . Figure 10 and Figure 11 ). Rotation of the sleeve 46 occurs via engagement of the internal threads 48 of the sleeve 46 and the lugs 30 of the barrel 22. The shield position is similar to the initial position of the needle 36, wherein the needle 36 is retracted within the sleeve 46.
[0040] Further rotation of the sleeve 46 in the second rotational direction moves the sleeve 46 to the locked position (eg Figure 12 and Figure 13 ), to press the at least one sleeve locking mechanism 50 into contact with the at least one lug 30. As the sleeve 46 approaches the locked position, the resistance to rotation increases until the at least one sleeve locking mechanism 50 irreversibly "snaps" into contact with the at least one lug 30. This resistance can be used to prevent the sleeve 46 from being moved into the locked position prematurely, thereby avoiding waste.
[0041] The operation of the above-described alternative embodiment is similar to the exemplary embodiment of the safety-lock syringe needle assembly 20 disclosed herein. Specifically, rotation of the sleeve relative to the barrel in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) from an initial position causes the sleeve to move axially along the longitudinal axis A toward the proximal end of the barrel, exposing the needle in the injection position. From the injection position, rotation of the sleeve in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction causes the sleeve to move axially along the longitudinal axis to return to the shielded position, where the needle is no longer exposed. Further rotation of the sleeve in the second rotational direction moves the sleeve to the locked position, pressing at least one barrel locking mechanism into contact with at least one lug. As the sleeve approaches the locked position, rotational resistance increases until at least one barrel locking mechanism irreversibly "snaps" into contact with at least one lug. This resistance can be used to prevent the sleeve from entering the locked position prematurely, thereby avoiding waste.
[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 6-13, the safety lock syringe needle assembly 20 further includes a plunger assembly 58. The plunger assembly 58 includes a plunger 60 at least partially slidably disposed within the barrel 22 and a stopper 62 secured to the plunger 60 and sealingly engaged with the barrel 22. Movement of the plunger assembly 58 along the longitudinal axis A allows the medium to be alternately drawn into or expelled from the barrel 22.
[0043] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. For example, different shapes and forms of sleeve locking features may be used. In general, for example, non-circular sleeve cross-sections may be employed to optimize space utilization and tailor the device size to the user's comfort. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, any embodiments, features, and / or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional combinations not specifically disclosed, provided that the combined embodiments, features, and / or elements are not mutually inconsistent. All such variations and combinations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Unless the phrase "means for..." is used, no language in the specification or claims is intended to invoke 35 USC 112(f).
Claims
1. A safety lock syringe assembly comprising: A cartridge comprising: distal end and proximal end; one or more lugs extending outwardly from an outer surface of the barrel; as well as a needle extending from the distal end; as well as a sleeve having threads that engage the one or more lugs, the sleeve including a sleeve locking mechanism; in The sleeve is threadedly rotated in a first direction to a first position, wherein the first position exposes the needle; The sleeve is threadedly rotated in a second direction to a second position, wherein the second position shields the needle; and The sleeve is threadedly rotated in the second direction to a third position that causes the one or more lugs to contact the sleeve locking mechanism to irreversibly lock the sleeve to the barrel.
2. The safety lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lug is provided at the distal end of the barrel.
3. The safety lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lugs extend radially from the outer surface of the barrel.
4. The safety lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The distal end of the barrel is connected to and in fluid communication with the barrel tip; A barrel cap is secured to the barrel end; and The needle is secured to the barrel cap and is in fluid communication with the barrel end.
5. The safety lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The threads of the sleeve are provided at a distal portion of the sleeve.
6. The safety-lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The thread of the sleeve is an internal thread.
7. The safety lock syringe assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sleeve locking mechanism is provided at a central portion of the sleeve.
8. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein: The sleeve locking mechanism includes a sleeve recess, a sleeve locking surface, and an inclined sleeve ramp surface.
9. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The sleeve locking mechanism is provided at the proximal end of the threads of the sleeve.
10. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 9, wherein: The sleeve locking mechanism includes threads having a pitch that is different from the pitch of the threads of the sleeve.
11. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The first direction is opposite to the second direction.
12. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: A plunger assembly comprising: a plunger slidably disposed in the barrel; as well as A stopper is disposed at the distal end of the plunger to dispense medication from the barrel.
13. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein: The movement between the first position, the second position and the third position does not require the use of a spring.
14. The safety-lock syringe assembly of claim 1, wherein: Axial movement of the sleeve occurs due to rotational engagement between the threads of the sleeve and one or more lugs of the barrel.