Dual-Profile Forceps for Safe Needle and Syringe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forceps are unsuitable for safely and efficiently picking up needles, as they are designed primarily for handling syringes, leading to increased risk of contamination and evidence compromise during retrieval and disposal, especially in public areas where needles may be scattered.
Innovation Solution
The design of forceps with dual gripping profiles allows secure handling of both syringes and needles, featuring a first gripping profile for syringes and a second profile located closer to the distal end for needles, enabling safe and efficient retrieval without the need for scooping motions that increase risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forceps designed for syringes are used to pick up needles, then the forceps structure remains simple, but the operator safety deteriorates and evidence preservation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping area is segmented into two distinct gripping profiles: a first gripping profile for syringes and a second gripping profile for needles. This segmentation allows each profile to be optimized for its specific function, with the second profile positioned closer to the distal end to enable direct needle engagement without scooping motions, thereby improving operator safety while maintaining a relatively simple overall forceps structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gripping area are given different local qualities through the two gripping profiles. The first gripping profile has characteristics suited for syringe handling, while the second gripping profile has characteristics optimized for needle engagement. This local differentiation enables the forceps to safely handle both syringes and needles without requiring completely separate tools
2Reliability
If conventional forceps are used to retrieve needles from surface, then the device complexity remains low, but the risk of needle contamination and evidence compromise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping area is divided into two distinct gripping profiles with the second profile specifically positioned for needle engagement. This segmentation allows the forceps to pick up needles directly from the surface without requiring scooping or pushing motions that could contaminate the needle or compromise evidence, while the added complexity is limited to the gripping area construction
Solution Approach 2:
The second gripping profile acts as an intermediary structure that enables safe needle engagement. By providing a dedicated profile closer to the distal end, it mediates the interaction between the forceps and needle, allowing direct pickup without the operator's hand needing to contact or closely approach the sharp object, thus preserving evidence integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If forceps with dual gripping profiles are used, then the versatility of the forceps improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two gripping profiles for different functions (syringe handling and needle pickup) are merged into a single gripping area on the forceps. This combining allows the forceps to handle both syringes and needles with one tool, improving versatility. The manufacturing complexity increase is confined to the gripping area construction, while the rest of the forceps structure remains simple and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps are designed with universal capability to handle both syringes and needles through the dual gripping profiles. The first gripping profile handles syringes while the second profile handles needles, making the forceps a multi-functional tool. This universality is achieved with minimal impact on manufacturing ease, as the added complexity is localized to the gripping area rather than the entire device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A pair of forceps (1) comprises a pair of arms (3,5) connected to one another at their proximal ends (6,7). The distal ends (9,10) of he arms may be manipulated towards one another for gripping syringes and needles in use. The distal ends (9,10) of each of the arms define respective opposed gripping areas (11,13). Each gripping area (11,13) is provided with two different gripping profiles. The first gripping profiles (39,43) are adapted for gripping syringes, while a second gripping profile (41,45) at the distal tip of each arm is configured to snugly fit around a needle to enable gripping of needles. Each arm has an operating portion intended to be gripped manually by a user to operate the forceps in use. A guard (23,25) extends outwardly from the outer surface of each arm (3,5) to prevent a user's finger sliding down from the operating regions (21,22) towards the distal ends (9,10) of the arm.