Adjustable Penetration Depth Syringe Collar Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insulin syringe needles are fixed at 6 mm, which is optimal for penetrating vial septums but not for subcutaneous injections, increasing the risk of intramuscular injections, and lack adjustable penetration depth for varying injection sites and medications.

Innovation Solution

A syringe with an adjustable collar mechanism that allows the needle penetration depth to be set between fixed positions, enabling optimal injection depth for subcutaneous administration while minimizing the risk of intramuscular injections and featuring a protective cover for needle safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed 6 mm needle length is used, then the needle can consistently penetrate the vial septum, but the penetration depth is too long for optimal subcutaneous injection and increases the risk of intramuscular injection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevial septum penetration reliabilityVSAvoidrisk of intramuscular injection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle hub incorporates a movable collar mechanism that allows the effective needle length to be dynamically adjusted between different fixed positions. This enables the needle to be extended to 6 mm for reliable vial penetration and retracted to 4 mm for optimal subcutaneous injection, resolving the contradiction between reliable vial access and safe injection depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed 6 mm needle length is used, then the design is simple and reliable, but it lacks adaptability for different injection sites and medications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle design simplicityVSAvoidadjustability for different injection sites

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collar mechanism provides a controlled adjustment system with discrete fixed positions, offering adaptability for different injection requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through a single moving component with predefined stop positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the needle is exposed for injection, then injection can be administered, but the risk of accidental needle sticks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinjection administration capabilityVSAvoidaccidental needle stick risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collar structure nests over the needle hub and provides a protective covering that can be positioned to shield the needle when not in use, while still allowing the needle to be exposed and functional during injection administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3673938B1Adjustable penetration depth syringe

Publication Date: 2021.09.15 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

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AI summary

A syringe is provided with an assembly received on the distal end for adjusting the penetration depth. In embodiments, the assembly includes a collar attached to the syringe hub which moves with respect to the needle between axial positions depending on the desired needle penetration depth. The adjustable penetration depth syringe is useful in the context of self-administered drugs such as insulin, where a longer length needle is needed to fill a syringe from a vial, but a shorter penetration depth is preferred for administering a subcutaneous injection.