Needle Cap Assembly With Ratcheting Collar to Prevent Needlestick Injury
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hypodermic needles pose a risk of needlestick injuries and potential transmission of bloodborne infections due to their design for piercing skin, and existing safety devices are complex or require modifications to the needle device.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly comprising a sleeve and a two-part collar with a ratchet mechanism that allows easy assembly, prevents reuse, and provides protection against needlestick injuries by enclosing the needle when not in use, while allowing easy deployment for injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cap is used to enclose the needle, then needlestick injuries are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into a first collar section and a second collar section that can be separately assembled. The first collar section engages with the needle device tip, while the second collar section engages with the sleeve, allowing incremental assembly that simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The collar sections are nested within the sleeve structure, with the first collar section positioned within the sleeve's first opening and the second collar section positioned within the sleeve's second opening. This nesting approach integrates multiple components into a compact arrangement without increasing overall device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a safety device is added to enclose the needle, then protection against needlestick injuries is provided, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collar sections are pre-configured with engagement features that automatically interface with the needle device tip and sleeve upon assembly. The ratchet mechanism is pre-set to engage at specific positions, allowing the device to be assembled and deployed in a single smooth motion without requiring complex manual manipulation during use
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism allows the collar to move freely in the deployment direction (toward the second opening) while preventing reverse movement. This dynamic behavior enables easy needle deployment by simply pushing the collar forward, while automatically preventing accidental retraction or reuse after deployment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex safety mechanism is implemented, then needle protection is improved, but ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the collar into two separate sections allows each section to be manufactured independently using simpler molding processes, avoiding the need for complex multi-cavity molds or multi-step assembly fixtures required for integrated designs
Solution Approach 2:
The collar sections are designed with universal engagement features that interface with standard needle device tips and sleeve structures. The ratchet mechanism provides multiple functions including positioning, locking, and prevention of reuse, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and simplifying the manufacturing bill of materials
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 cap assembly effectively prevents needlestick injuries and ensures the needle remains enclosed when not in use, offering a simple and efficient safety mechanism that does not require modifications to the needle device.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may extend between and be coupled to the collar and the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
A cap assembly comprising a sleeve and a two-part collar with a ratchet mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a cap assembly for enclosing a needle of a needle device that includes a sleeve and a collar. The sleeve extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a first opening configured to receive the needle device, a second opening opposite to the first opening and sized such that the needle device's needle can protrude through the second opening, and a slot that extends substantially along the longitudinal axis. The collar is arranged in the sleeve and biased away from the second opening of the sleeve. The collar is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and includes a first collar section that defines a pin that protrudes through the sleeve's slot, and a second collar section, wherein the first and second collar section cooperate to define a collar body configured to engage the needle device.