Hinged Needle Packaging Assembly for Sterile Access and Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle packaging systems fail to maintain sterile conditions during use and disposal, requiring manual handling with one hand and posing risks of contamination and puncture hazards, while also being susceptible to tampering and substitution of contents.
Innovation Solution
A package assembly with a clamshell configuration and living hinges allows for safe access and disposal of needles, featuring a hinge-secured compartment that maintains sterility and prevents accidental exposure, using a plastic material that is durable and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sterile packaging is used, then sterility is maintained, but manual handling with one hand is required and disposal is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the packaging structure with a built-in disposal mechanism. The housing includes a compartment that receives the needle after use, and a closure member that secures the needle in place. This merging of packaging and disposal functions eliminates the need for separate manual handling steps and maintains sterility while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging assembly is designed to perform its own disposal function. The closure member can be actuated to automatically secure the needle in the compartment, and the entire assembly can be disposed of as a single unit. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and maintains sterility without requiring complex handling procedures.
2Ease of operation
If packaging is opened for needle access, then needle availability is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into a housing and a removable closure member. The closure member can be selectively removed to access the needle while maintaining the integrity of the housing compartment. This segmentation allows controlled access that minimizes contamination risk while ensuring needle availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the needle compartment. It can be removed for access and then resecured to maintain sterility. This intermediary element provides a controlled interface that allows needle access while protecting the internal compartment from contamination.
3Reliability
If needle guard is replaced manually, then protection is maintained, but time delay increases and aseptic technique is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging assembly merges the needle guard replacement function with the disposal function. The closure member secures the needle in the compartment after use, eliminating the need for separate guard replacement steps. This integration maintains protection while significantly reducing the time required for the overall process and preserving aseptic technique.
4Ease of operation
If pre-loaded syringe is given to personnel for delivery, then patient access is improved, but tampering risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into a sealed housing and a removable closure member. The housing maintains the integrity of the pre-loaded syringe during storage and transport, preventing tampering. The closure member can be removed at the point of administration to access the needle, providing patient access while maintaining security against tampering throughout the supply chain.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, for packaging and safely disposing of a needle structure, including a housing having at least one containment structure. The containment structure includes a hinge movably interconnecting a base and a needle retaining segment, between open and closed orientations. The retaining segment includes a compartment removably containing the needle structure therein and the base includes a chamber for reception of the compartment and medical needle therein, when in the closed orientation. The hinge normally biases the retaining segment and compartment outwardly at substantially a predetermined angular orientation relative to the base, in the open orientation, to facilitate access to the medical needle through an access opening in the compartment. A closure is fixedly connected to and movable with both the base and the retaining segment and is structured to removably secure the housing in the closed orientation.