Dual Shield Injection Needle Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use injection devices do not effectively protect healthcare providers from accidental needle sticks, as they often require additional passive shield systems and can lead to cross-contamination due to reuse risks.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained single-use injection device with a dual shield system where the needle is passively shielded before and after use, featuring an inner and outer shield assembly that automatically covers the needle, and a thumb button mechanism for medication delivery, ensuring both needle ends are protected and preventing reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a passive shield system is added to protect the proximal end of the needle, then protection against accidental needle sticks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shield assembly with the hub to form an integrated unit. The shield is positioned within the hub structure and moves relative to it, eliminating the need for a separate shield system attached to the pen body. This integration maintains protection functionality while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub serves multiple functions: it holds the needle, contains the shield assembly for protection, and provides the injection mechanism. By making the hub multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional components like separate shield systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-use self-contained device is designed to protect both needle ends, then protection against accidental needle sticks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shield assembly with the hub structure, creating an integrated protective mechanism. The shield moves relative to the hub to cover the needle after injection, and this integration eliminates the need for separate shield systems on the pen body, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly is nested within the hub structure. The shield is positioned inside the hub and moves relative to it, with the outer shield radially outward of the inner shield. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive needle protection while maintaining a compact, integrated design that does not significantly increase device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle is passively shielded after use, then protection against accidental needle sticks is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shield assembly automatically moves to cover the needle after injection without requiring manual activation. The spring mechanism provides automatic advancement of the shield following needle penetration, eliminating the need for users to manually activate safety shields and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is pre-positioned in a retracted state during injection and automatically advances to the protective position after needle penetration. This preliminary positioning and automatic activation eliminate the need for manual shield activation, improving ease of operation while ensuring protection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a dual shield system with inner and outer shield is implemented, then protection against accidental needle sticks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested shield configuration where the inner shield is radially inward and the outer shield is radially outward, both moving relative to the hub. This nested arrangement provides layered protection while maintaining a compact integrated design within the hub, avoiding the need for separate external shield systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual shield system is integrated within the hub structure rather than being separate components. Both shields move relative to the hub in a coordinated manner, and this integration eliminates the need for additional external shield systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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 device provides comprehensive protection against accidental needle sticks for both the patient and healthcare provider, preventing cross-contamination by ensuring the needle is fully contained and locked after use, enhancing safety and convenience compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring biases the inner shield in a distal direction covering the needle after use
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-filled, single-use injection device includes a passive dual shield on the patient end of the needle. The device is self-contained so that the entire needle is shielded after use without a separate passive shield system for the non-patient end.