Catheter Tip Protector Assembly for One-Handed Needle Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) face challenges such as accidental needle sticks during withdrawal and require two-handed operation, lacking features for securement and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates robust upstanding tabs, hinging tabs, flexible interfaces, viewing windows, and color indicators to facilitate one-handed placement and enhance safety mechanisms, including a tubular housing with a needle guard and push tabs angled for easier handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional PIVC design is used, then the device structure is simple, but two-handed operation is required and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed operationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The push tab and tip protector assembly are merged into a single integrated unit. The push tab is formed as an integral part of the tip protector housing, combining the pushing function with the needle protection function in one component, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tip protector assembly serves multiple functions: it protects the needle tip during insertion, acts as a push tab for advancing the catheter, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, facilitating one-handed operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional push tab configuration is used, then manufacturing is simple, but one-handed operation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed placementVSAvoidtab configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The push tab features a curved upper surface that conforms to the natural curvature of a finger. This curved geometry provides an ergonomic surface for digital engagement, making one-handed operation comfortable and effective, while the curvature can be easily formed through standard molding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The push tab extends radially outward from the tip protector housing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. This radial extension creates a prominent, easily accessible surface for finger engagement, improving operability without complicating the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If taller hub design is used, then features can be added for one-handed operation, but dressing damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed placement featuresVSAvoiddressing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The push tab is positioned at the distal end of the tip protector housing, concentrating the pushing function at a specific location away from the catheter hub. This local placement allows one-handed operation features to be added without increasing the overall hub height, preventing dressing damage while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If needle protection is enhanced, then safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle protectionVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tip protector housing is pre-formed with a push tab integrated into its structure before assembly. This preliminary formation of the push tab as part of the housing eliminates the need for separate attachment steps, enhancing needle protection functionality while avoiding increased assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tip protector assembly is designed to be self-contained, with the push tab serving both as a structural element of the housing and as the operational interface for advancing the catheter. This self-service design provides enhanced needle protection without requiring additional components or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12508403B2Catheter insertion device with improved push tab and tip protector assembly

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ICU MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Improved tip protector assemblies (TPAs) and catheter hubs are provided for use with I.V. catheters. An improved TPA includes an upstanding push tab configured to facilitate one-handed placement of the catheter. The disclosure also provides a hinging push tab usable to fluidically seal or at least cover the proximal fitment of a catheter hub once the catheter is placed and the TPA removed. Improved TPAs are disclosed that mitigate off-axis loading and accidental premature detachment from the catheter hub.