IV Cannula Valve and Needle Guard for Blood Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous cannulas face issues with blood spillage and needle prick injuries, requiring complex and costly solutions that are not user-friendly or effective in preventing contamination and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A cannula design featuring a tubular valve member with slits for needle insertion, a valve closure member to prevent blood flow, and a needle guard assembly with a safety clip to arrest the needle tip, ensuring safe withdrawal and preventing needle prick injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual pressure technique is applied to stop blood flow, then blood spillage is prevented, but the operation requires two hands or two operators and cannot reliably stop blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula system performs the blood flow control function automatically through its built-in valve mechanism, eliminating the need for manual pressure application by the operator. The valve self-regulates blood flow based on the needle position and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated valve mechanism serves as an intermediary between the needle and the blood flow path, controlling blood flow without requiring direct manual intervention. This intermediary component translates mechanical needle movement into automated flow control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed system intravenous cannula with a dead stopper is used, then blood flow is stopped, but the device becomes bulky and complicated to use
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a valve body, a movable valve element, and associated actuation mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism transitions from a static dead stopper design to a dynamic system that can open and close based on operational requirements. The movable valve element responds to needle insertion and withdrawal, providing automated flow control without requiring bulky structural reinforcements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a catheter space blockage method using a mandrel or obturator is used, then blood flow is stopped, but the product becomes complicated in structure and to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism automatically blocks the catheter space and stops blood flow without requiring external mandrels or obturators. The system self-regulates by using the needle itself as the actuation mechanism for the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the mandrel/obturator and the valve are merged into a single integrated valve mechanism that is part of the cannula assembly. This eliminates the need for separate blocking components and simplifies the overall structure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional catheter introducer devices are used, then needle prick injuries are prevented, but additional training is required and the needle catheter assembly is not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism operates automatically based on the needle's position and movement. The valve and needle guard components self-adjust and self-protect without requiring additional training or complex user actions, making the system as easy to use as standard cannulas.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard assembly and valve mechanism are pre-configured with safety features that automatically engage before any potential injury can occur. The protective structures are in place and ready to activate based on predetermined operational conditions.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle cover is made robust to prevent needle prick injuries, then user safety is improved, but the manufacturing becomes complex and not cost effective
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is segmented into distinct components: a needle guard assembly, a valve mechanism, and a needle holder. Each component can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard and valve components utilize thin-walled but structurally sound materials that provide adequate protection without requiring thick, complex constructions. These thin-walled components are easier and more cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining sufficient strength for safety functions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an intravenous cannula that includes a catheter hub and tubular valve member adapted to allow a needle member to pass through. The valve member is defined with slits that allow the needle to pass through. Further, a valve closure member and needle guard assembly are provided, both adapted to close passage for fluid flow and prevent blood flow from the punctured vein of a subject. The needle guard assembly includes a body portion. A safety clip locks onto a flange defined in the body, and in a biased condition allows a needle to extend through the body and hub. Upon withdrawal of the needle from a proximal end of the hub, a safety pin disengages from the flange and arrests the tip portion of the needle within the device, thereby preventing needle prick injury upon withdrawal of the needle member from the hub.