Leaf Spring Shielded Needle Device for Safe Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical needle devices are difficult to manufacture and require complex operations for effective shielding of used needle cannulas, posing risks of accidental needle sticks and infection.

Innovation Solution

A shieldable needle device with a housing, needle cannula, tip guard, and a flexibly resilient drive mechanism that automatically biases the tip guard to an extended position for shielding the needle tip, using a leaf spring or coiled spring mechanism for easy operation and secure protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a telescoping protective cover with guide members is used, then shielding protection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex guide members from the shielding mechanism. Instead of using telescoping covers with guide rails, the invention employs a simple spring-biased shield that moves freely along the needle cannula without requiring guiding structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining shielding functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a complex mechanism to enable shield movement, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple spring bias that naturally promotes shield extension. The spring force automatically drives the shield into the extended protective position without requiring complex actuation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a spring tether mechanism is used, then shielding operation is simplified, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshielding operationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple disposable spring mechanism that is inexpensive to manufacture. The spring is designed as a single-use component that is discarded with the needle assembly, eliminating the need for complex reusable mechanisms while providing reliable shielding operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism is designed to automatically bias the shield into the extended position without requiring complex actuation systems. The spring self-generates the force needed for shield movement, eliminating the need for motors, batteries, or complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a complex shielding mechanism is used, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding mechanism is segmented into simple, discrete components: a spring element, a shield component, and mounting features. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently using simple processes and assembled easily, maintaining protection effectiveness while improving manufacturability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring (material, wire diameter, coil spacing, length) to optimize both protection effectiveness and manufacturing simplicity. By carefully selecting spring parameters, the design achieves reliable shielding with a simple component that is easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 secure and effective shielding of used needle cannulas, simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring safe operation, reducing the risk of accidental needle sticks and infection.

Implementation Method 1

The drive mechanism is capable of being retained in a biased state between the first lateral extension and the second lateral extension when the tip guard is in the retracted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The drive mechanism is a leaf spring, or a coiled spring wound between the first lateral extension and the second lateral extension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7422573B2Forward blunting wingset with leaf spring driven shield

Publication Date: 2008.09.09 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A shieldable needle device is provided. The shieldable needle device includes a housing, a needle cannula, a tip guard and a flexibly resilient drive mechanism. The housing includes a first lateral extension and a second lateral extension which are interconnected at a rearward end to form a hub portion from which the needle cannula extends. The tip guard telescopes over the needle cannula from a retracted position to an extended position. The drive mechanism is attached to the tip guard and is bent or coiled within the housing between the first and second lateral extension and retained in the bent or coiled position. Upon release of the drive mechanism, the tip guard is moved from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby protectively surrounding a tip of the needle cannula.