Magnetic Needle Cover With Shielding for Sterile Consistent Magnetization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current invasive medical device magnetization systems are inconsistent, risky, and potentially contaminating, lacking sterile and disposable solutions that ensure precise magnetization without damaging the needle tip or exposing the clinical environment to magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A cover for tissue-penetrating medical devices integrates magnets and a magnetic shield, passively magnetizing the device upon insertion and minimizing environmental exposure by using conductive or high magnetic permeability materials to contain magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate external needle magnetizer is used to magnetize the needle, then the needle can be magnetized, but the needle tip may be damaged and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization consistencyVSAvoidneedle tip damage and contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is integrated directly into the needle hub, merging the magnetization function with the needle structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate external magnetizers and prevents needle tip damage during the magnetization process, while maintaining consistent magnetization for procedural guidance systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The needle performs self-magnetization through its integrated magnet, eliminating the need for external magnetization devices. The needle hub contains the magnet that automatically magnetizes the needle shaft when assembled, ensuring consistent magnetization without manual intervention or external equipment that could cause damage or contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If magnets are integrated into the needle hub, then consistent magnetization is achieved, but magnetic fields may interfere with clinical environment and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization consistencyVSAvoidmagnetic field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field is localized to specific regions through strategic magnet placement and orientation in the needle hub. The magnet is positioned and oriented to create the necessary magnetic field for procedural guidance while minimizing field spread to surrounding clinical equipment and environment, thus resolving the interference issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the needle is actively magnetized by inserting into an external magnetizer, then magnetization can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization consistencyVSAvoidmagnetization process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet is pre-integrated into the needle hub during manufacturing, so the magnetization function is prepared in advance. When the needle is assembled, the magnetization occurs automatically without requiring the clinician to perform additional magnetization steps, thus eliminating time loss and human error associated with manual magnetization processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures consistent and sterile magnetization of medical devices, reducing needle damage and contamination risks while shielding the clinical environment from magnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetized portion of the tissue-penetrating medical device. The magnetic field generated within the cover enhances visualization of the tissue-penetrating medical device during an invasive procedure when used with a procedural guidance system that utilizes magnetic sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic shield composed of one or more shielding materials associated with the cover that minimizes exposure of the clinical environment from magnetic fields generated from the magnet disposed within the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4032572B1Cover for tissue penetrating device with integrated magnets and magnetic shielding
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP4032572B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4032572B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4032572B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A cover for magnetizing a shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device is disclosed including a sleeve member having a hollow body to form a protective closure over the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device. The proximal end of the hollow body provides a receiving space for receiving the shaft of the tissue-penetrating medical device. One or more magnet is disposed on the sleeve member. A magnetic shield composed of one or more shielding materials associated with the cover that minimizes any effects to the clinical environment from magnetic fields generated within the cover. Medical devices and methods of magnetizing the shaft of a tissue-penetrating medical device using the cover are also disclosed.