Modular Retractable Needle Catheter Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable needle mechanisms for intravenous catheters require significant design and manufacturing variations for either manual or automatic retraction, leading to increased complexity, training needs, and manufacturing time, without a unified solution that adapts easily to both modes.
Innovation Solution
A modular retractable needle catheter system that uses common components for both manual and automatic retraction mechanisms, allowing for conversion between the two by replacing only the activation hub, featuring a needle support and activation hubs designed to accommodate either manual or automatic actuation, ensuring adaptability and streamlined manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate design and manufacturing processes are used for manual and automatic retraction mechanisms, then each mechanism can be optimized for its specific function, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single catheter hub assembly that can accommodate both manual and automatic retraction mechanisms through interchangeable components. The hub assembly includes a standardized interface that accepts either a manual retraction trigger or an automatic retraction mechanism, allowing the same base structure to serve multiple functions. This eliminates the need for entirely separate design processes while maintaining optimized performance for each retraction type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the catheter system into modular components: a universal hub assembly, interchangeable retraction mechanisms, and common catheter elements. By dividing the system into these separable modules, the design allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining compatibility across the entire system. The retraction mechanism can be swapped without redesigning the entire catheter assembly.
2Ease of operation
If separate training protocols are developed for manual and automatic retraction mechanisms, then practitioners can be trained specifically for each mechanism's unique operation, but training time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal hub assembly provides a consistent interface and operational framework for both manual and automatic retraction mechanisms. Practitioners learn the same basic catheter insertion and hub manipulation techniques, and only need to learn the specific retraction activation method (manual trigger vs. automatic sensing). This reduces training complexity while maintaining mechanism-specific operational precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If dedicated manufacturing processes are used for each retraction type, then manufacturing precision can be optimized for each specific mechanism, but manufacturing time and resource allocation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture allows manufacturing to proceed in parallel streams: the universal hub assembly can be manufactured once in large quantities, while retraction mechanisms are produced separately and assembled into the hub. This segmentation enables specialized precision manufacturing of each component type while maintaining high overall production throughput through efficient resource allocation and assembly line optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal hub assembly is manufactured and prepared in advance with standardized interfaces and attachment points for both manual and automatic retraction mechanisms. This preliminary preparation of the hub assembly allows for rapid integration of different retraction types during final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining precision through pre-configured mounting structures.
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 modular system simplifies manufacturing and use by allowing the same components to function in both manual and automatic retraction modes, reducing design complexity and training requirements while enhancing safety and efficiency in needle handling and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled spring drives the needle support rearward to retract the needle into the sleeve of the handle
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable needle catheter insertion device is provided with a cannula and a needle positioned within the cannula to assist with insertion of the cannula. After insertion of the cannula into a patient, the needle can retract into a protective sleeve that contains the needle in order to reduce the chance that a medical practitioner will be inadvertently stuck by a used needle. The needle is carried by a needle support that is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A spring biases the needle support and needle toward a retracted position, and the device also includes an activation hub that works in conjunction with the needle support to control retraction of the needle. The retraction may be activated manually by the medical practitioner or may be activated automatically. A modular system and method of manufacturing is also provided in which catheters having either manually or automatic retraction can be manufactured using common parts.