Helical Path Sharps Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical sharp retraction devices are complex, expensive, and unsuitable for single-use disposables, posing a risk of injury and infection due to accidental puncture or scratch during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device with a simple design featuring an outer housing, a retraction housing with a helical path, a carriage for the medical sharp, a latch mechanism, and a stored energy device, such as a spring, to automatically retract the sharp after use, minimizing complexity and cost while ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex retractable needle setups are used, then needle retraction function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for single-use disposables
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: an outer housing, a retraction housing containing the helical path mechanism, and a carriage for the medical sharp. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity suitable for single-use disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The entire retraction device is designed as a single-use disposable unit that can be manufactured at low cost. The simplified mechanism with helical path and spring-loaded carriage eliminates the need for expensive complex setups, making it economically viable for single-use applications while ensuring reliable needle retraction
2Reliability
If spring-based retraction mechanisms are used, then needle retraction is achieved, but the mechanism becomes fiddly and complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple plunger action that compresses the spring and releases the latch. The spring then automatically drives the carriage along the helical path to retract the needle, requiring minimal user intervention and operation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The helical path provides a curved guiding trajectory for the carriage during retraction. This curved path converts the linear spring force into controlled rotational and linear motion, ensuring smooth and reliable needle retraction while simplifying the actuation mechanism
3Reliability
If latch mechanism is used to retain carriage, then sharp retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted as a simple, separate component within the retraction housing that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This minimalistic latch design provides reliable carriage retention during use while allowing simple release during retraction, avoiding the need for complex locking systems
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 effectively isolates medical sharps after use, reducing the risk of injury and infection by providing a controlled and automatic retraction mechanism that is easy to operate and cost-effective, while preventing fluid leakage during the retraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a stored energy device connected to the follower and the carriage, and actuation means operable to move the retraction housing towards the distal end of the first passage, thereby to release the latch means such that the stored energy device is operable to drive the follower along the helical path and to retract the carriage towards the proximal end of the retraction housing
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device comprising an outer housing (400) having a first wall (401) defining a first passage (402) with proximal and distal ends. A retraction housing (412) is slidably received in the first passage (402), the retraction housing (412) having proximal and distal ends and a wall with an interior surface wall defining a helical path (421). Part of the device includes a carriage (422) for releasably receiving a medical sharp (423), the carriage (422) slidably received in the distal end of the retraction housing (412). A latch means (428) is present for retaining the carriage (422) in a first position in the retraction housing (412). A follower (432) is connected to the carriage (422) and engaged with the helical path (421). A stored energy device (434) is connected to the follower (432) and the carriage (422). An actuation means (419) is operable to move the retraction housing (412) towards the distal end of the first passage (402), thereby to release the latch means (428) such that the stored energy device (434) is operable to drive the follower (432) along the helical path (421) and to retract the carriage (422) towards the proximal end of the retraction housing (412).