Multi-purpose Protective Cap for Needle and Catheter Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle and catheter systems lack effective solutions for safely covering needles and stabilizing puncture sites after venipuncture, leading to potential accidental needle sticks and movement of the catheter hub.
Innovation Solution
A needle assembly with a protective cap that separates into two sections, where the first section covers the needle and catheter tube during packaging and the second section doubles as a stabilization platform for the catheter hub, using a frangible detachment line and adhesive pads for securement, allowing the second section to be reused for stabilizing the puncture site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cap is used to cover the needle tip, then safety hazard from sharp tip is reduced, but the cap must be removed and discarded, requiring additional securement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is designed to perform multiple functions: it covers the sharp needle tip for safety during packaging and transport, and after removal of the first section, the remaining second section serves as a securement device with stabilization elements and adhesive pads to secure the catheter hub to the patient's skin, eliminating the need for separate securement steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the protective cap function with the securement device function into a single integrated component. The second section of the cap incorporates stabilization elements and adhesive pads, combining what were previously separate items (cap and securement device) into one unified structure that reduces overall device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-section protective cap is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot serve as a stabilization platform after needle removal
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is divided into two separable sections: a first section that covers the needle tip and is removed before use, and a second section that remains on the catheter assembly and serves as a stabilization platform with adhesive pads and stabilization elements, providing both protective and securement functions
3Reliability
If the catheter hub is secured with separate taping, then the access site is protected from movement, but this requires additional materials and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The second section of the protective cap is designed to function as both a protective cover and a securement device, incorporating stabilization elements and adhesive pads that eliminate the need for separate taping materials and steps while maintaining reliable protection of the access site from inadvertent movement
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 solution provides a safe and secure method for covering needles and stabilizing the catheter hub, reducing the risk of accidental needle exposure and movement, while allowing for easy re-use of the stabilization platform.
Implementation Method 1
a frangible section formed between the first section and the second section; and wherein the frangible section is severable to separate the first section from the second section
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive pad can attach to each stabilization element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Needle assemblies 500 are disclosed having a multi-purpose protective cap 5. The needle assemblies can embody a catheter assembly having a catheter hub 76 and a catheter tube 75 or a hypodermic needle 15 mounted on a needle hub. The multi-purpose cap includes a first section 10 covering the needle and a second section 20 having a base portion 40 for covering a hub, such as a needle hub or a catheter hub. The first section and the second section are separable from one another along a detachment line 30 and the second section 20 is re-useable as a securement device.