Modular Needle Storage with Snap-Fit Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with diabetes face challenges in managing their complex treatment plans, particularly with insulin injections and needle storage, which can lead to needle stick injuries and complications like lipohypertrophy due to inadequate storage and disposal methods.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising snap-fit connector modular containers that allow for customizable arrangement of needle and medication storage, providing a secure, hygienic, and convenient way to organize and transport medication, including a mechanism for safe needle storage and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional needle storage methods are used, then needle accessibility is simple, but safety and hygiene are compromised due to risk of needle stick injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple modular bay elements that can be connected together. Each bay element contains individual compartments for storing needles, pens, and other diabetes management items. This segmentation allows the system to provide safe, organized storage while maintaining flexibility in configuration based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bay elements are designed to nest together through interlocking mechanisms. Each bay element contains smaller compartments within it, creating a nested structure where larger storage units contain smaller organizational sections. This nesting provides comprehensive storage functionality within a compact modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single medication management system is used for all patients, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual treatment plans is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is designed to be dynamically configurable. Bay elements can be connected in different sequences and arrangements to match individual treatment plans. Users can adjust the configuration of their storage system as treatment requirements change, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bay elements are designed with universal interconnection features that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and be arranged in various configurations. This universality enables a single product line to adapt to different treatment plans while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Loss of information
If needle storage is not organized by treatment plan, then storage simplicity is maintained, but medication adherence monitoring is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bay elements and compartments utilize color-coding to indicate different treatment categories, time of day, or medication types. This visual organization system helps patients quickly identify and track their medication adherence without requiring complex labeling or organizational systems, maintaining ease of operation while reducing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular storage system is described for storing and/or shielding a hypodermic needle which includes a modular needle container element for storing and/or shielding a hypodermic needles. The system includes a compartment for storing the needle, defined by first and second walls configured to be end walls, and a front wall and a rear wall extending between the first and second walls; each of the first and second walls has an outer surface directed away from the compartment, and each of the first and second walls include either a male connector on the outer surface of the wall or a female connector extending through the wall. The male connector includes a clip arm and the female connector includes a slot, such that the male connector is configured for engagement in a snap-fit manner to the female connector in the first or second wall of a second container element.