Bifurcated Needle Cap Remover for Sterile Low-Force Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle cap removal devices often require excessive force, risk disturbing the sterility of the needle cap, and fail to maintain the sterility of the needle during removal, complicating the process and potentially compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A bifurcated needle cap remover with elastic and rigid portions that distribute force evenly, allowing for easy assembly and removal of the needle cap without disturbing sterility, featuring a snap-fit mechanism and a user handle for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional needle cap remover is used, then the needle cap can be removed, but excessive force is required and needle sterility may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The remover is divided into two separate arms that can independently engage with the needle cap. This segmentation allows each arm to apply force locally at optimal points, reducing the total force required and enabling controlled removal that preserves sterility by avoiding excessive or misdirected force application.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the remover arms have different mechanical properties - the distal ends are more compliant to gently engage and release from the needle cap, while the proximal portions are stiffer for transmitting user force efficiently. This local differentiation optimizes both ease of removal and sterility preservation.
2Productivity
If a traditional needle cap remover is used, then the needle cap can be removed, but the process becomes complicated and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The two arms are connected through a rigid bridge structure that merges their operational control into a single unified action. When the user applies force through the handle, both arms simultaneously engage and disengage from the needle cap in coordination, simplifying the removal process while maintaining safety through synchronized operation that prevents accidental sterility compromise.
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 bifurcated design enables safe and efficient removal of needle caps with minimal force, preserving needle sterility and simplifying the process, ensuring the needle remains sterile until use.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two longitudinal arms are defined by bifurcated sections in the cover body, wherein the bifurcated sections are configured to distribute pushing forces
Implementation Method 2
the at least two hooks are configured to overhang a top sill of the needle cap, wherein the at least two hooks are configured to exert force in an axial direction towards a bottom portion of the needle cap when the cover body is pulled
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1E
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for removing a needle cap shielding a needle of an injector system. The device comprises an elongated hollow body and at least one snap coupled to at least one respective element of the elongated body. The elongated body has a closed and open configuration, wherein the closed configuration is defined by the snap defining a width smaller than a width of a top sill of the needle cap, and the open configuration is defined by the at least one snap having a width wide enough to fit at least the width of said top sill. The hollow body, in the closed configuration, is shaped to hold the at least one snap overhanging a top sill of the needle cap with the hollow body enveloping a lower portion of the needle cap.