Injection Device Safety Cover With Interlocking Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety covers for injection devices with screw connections can be inadvertently locked when users re-tighten them, leading to irreversible encasement of the injection needle, which is problematic for devices requiring secure screwing and use with luer lock connections.
Innovation Solution
A safety cover design featuring a base with a needle mount, an outer housing, and an inner housing connected via a hinge element, allowing for controlled pivoting and twisting, with a locking device that prevents unintended locking during re-tightening and allows secure encasement after use, enabling the cover to be transferred into an end position for secure disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer housing is made twistable relative to the inner housing to enable locking after use, then the safety cover can securely encase the injection needle after injection, but the cover can be inadvertently locked during re-tightening operations on screw connection devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interlocking mechanism between the base and cover that must be disengaged before the outer housing can be twisted into the locked position. This preliminary action (disengaging the interlock) prevents accidental locking during re-tightening while allowing intentional locking after use, as the user must consciously perform the disengagement step before the housing becomes twistable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety cover is designed with a hinge element allowing pivoting between initial and treatment positions, then the injection needle can be exposed for injection and enclosed for safety, but the cover can be repeatedly opened and closed increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires the user to disengage the interlocking mechanism before the outer housing can be twisted to lock the needle in place. This preliminary action creates a deliberate step that prevents accidental locking while ensuring intentional securement, thereby maintaining safety without preventing necessary operational access.
3Reliability
If the outer housing and inner housing are coupled to allow twisting, then the locking function can be achieved, but the structural integrity and alignment of the cover may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into distinct segments (outer housing and inner housing) that can move independently relative to each other. The interlocking mechanism acts as a controlled connection point, allowing the segments to twist relative to one another only when the interlock is disengaged, while maintaining structural integrity when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic coupling system where the relationship between outer and inner housing changes from fixed (when interlocked) to movable (when interlock disengaged). This dynamic behavior allows the structure to adapt between stability during storage/transport and flexibility during locking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety cover for coupling with an injection device, the safety cover including a base; a cover including an outer housing and an inner housing; and a hinge, wherein the base includes a needle mount which is configured for directed receiving of an injection needle along a receiving axis of the needle mount, wherein the outer housing is coupled with the inner housing in a coaxial arrangement relative to a longitudinal axis of the cover and mounted at the inner housing, at least partially surrounding the inner housing, wherein the cover is connected by the hinge with the base, so that the cover is pivotable relative to the base about a pivot axis formed by the hinge and oriented perpendicular to the receiving axis so that that the cover is pivotable from an initial position in a first pivoting direction into a treatment position.