Dual-Mode Blood Collection Safety Device with Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood collection devices often fail to prevent accidental needle sticks and reuse, posing risks of blood-borne pathogen transmission and inefficiencies in sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A blood collection safety device featuring a dual-mode safety mechanism with automatic or passive activation, incorporating a first needle cover that switches to a non-return closure mode and a second needle cover that interacts to trigger a permanent closure mode for the first needle, reducing the risk of human error in deploying safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable cap is used to cover the needle, then needle protection is provided, but the device requires manual activation and replacement creating risk of accidental needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device automatically activates the needle cover and transitions to non-return closure mode without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the needle protection state based on usage detection, eliminating the need for users to manually remove and replace caps, thereby reducing accidental needle stick risks while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-configures the needle cover in a ready-to-activate state and automatically deploys it when needle exposure is detected. The non-return closure mechanism is pre-programmed to engage automatically after a single exposure, preventing any subsequent accidental exposure without requiring user action.
2Reliability
If an active safety mechanism requiring user activation is used, then needle protection can be provided, but users may neglect to trigger the mechanism in stressful environments rendering it ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism automatically detects when the needle has been exposed and autonomously activates the non-return closure mode without requiring user intervention. This self-activating system ensures that safety protection is reliably engaged even in stressful medical environments where users may be distracted or overwhelmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the needle exposure state and automatically triggers the non-return closure mode when exposure is detected. This closed-loop control system ensures that safety protection is reliably activated based on actual usage conditions, eliminating reliance on user memory or attention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows multiple needle exposures, then flexibility in blood collection is provided, but the risk of accidental needle sticks and disease transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the needle protection function into distinct operational phases: an initial phase allowing controlled needle exposure for blood collection, and a subsequent non-return closure phase that permanently protects the needle. This segmentation enables multiple intentional exposures during the first phase while preventing accidental exposures in the second phase, thereby reducing disease transmission risk while maintaining collection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle cover transitions dynamically from a movable state allowing needle exposure to a locked non-return state preventing further exposure. This dynamic behavior enables the device to adapt to the blood collection workflow by permitting necessary needle access initially, then automatically locking to prevent accidental sticks and disease transmission after use.
4Reliability
If a non-return closure mode is activated, then accidental needle sticks are prevented, but the device cannot be reused for additional samples
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary blood collection operations in an initial mode that allows needle exposure, then automatically transitions to a non-return closure mode that prevents accidental sticks. This preliminary action sequence ensures that all necessary blood samples are collected before the needle is permanently protected, eliminating the need for device reuse while maintaining high safety standards.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.