Spring-Loaded Needle Guard Automatic Retraction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle guards are either complex, costly, and bulky, or require manual activation, which can lead to accidental needle contact and increased risk of injury due to incomplete protection during and after needle withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded needle guard with a hinge structure and locking mechanism that automatically transitions from an open to a closed position after needle withdrawal, ensuring immediate protection without additional user action, and can be integrated with standard needles and syringes for ease of use and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual activation needle guard is used, then the device can be activated to protect the needle, but the user may fail to activate it in time leading to accidental needle contact
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard is designed to automatically activate immediately after needle withdrawal without requiring any manual action from the user. The guard is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to snap into place automatically, ensuring protection is established before the user can potentially be injured.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard system performs its own activation function through a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages after needle withdrawal. The system serves itself by detecting the withdrawal event and autonomously deploying the protective shield, eliminating the need for user intervention.
2Reliability
If a complex multi-part needle guard is used, then the guard can provide protection, but the construction becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. The shield member, mounting base, and spring mechanism are merged into one unified structure that can be manufactured as a single piece, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle guard is divided into two main functional segments: a mounting base that attaches to the needle hub and a shield member that provides protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall construction compared to multi-part designs.
3Reliability
If a pivoting safety cover with locking hook mechanism is used, then the needle can be locked in position, but high force is required to overcome the locking resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages and locks without requiring high manual force. The spring provides the necessary force to overcome the locking resistance automatically, and the system can be easily deactivated by a simple pulling motion on the shield member.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary that transfers and amplifies the activation force. Instead of requiring direct high force application from the user, the spring mediates the force transmission, allowing easy activation while maintaining secure locking.
4Device complexity
If the needle guard requires manual activation, then the device structure can be simpler, but the needle is not protected immediately after withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The needle guard is pre-configured with a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically activates immediately upon needle withdrawal. The guard is pre-positioned and ready to snap into place without any delay or manual intervention, eliminating time loss between withdrawal and protection activation.
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 automatic and immediate protection of the needle after withdrawal, reducing the risk of accidental contact and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for manual activation, while being cost-effective and suitable for a wide range of standard medical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded needle shield being pivotable from an open position in which the needle shield is separated from the needle to a closed position in which the needle shield is enclosing and protecting the needle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The present invention discloses a needle guard(100) for protecting a needle (210) from accidental contact, comprising: a spring loaded needle shield (110) being pivotable from an open position in which the needle shield (110) is separated from the needle (210) to a closed position in which the needle shield (110) is enclosing and protecting the needle (210);and a mounting base (140) having a constant spatial relationship with the needle (210) when the needle guard(100) is being used, the mounting base (140) being movably connected to the needle shield (110)for enabling movement between the open and the closed position; wherein the needle shield (110) is having a passive state and an active state, the needle shield (110) being urged towards the closed position when in the active state. Methods of manufacturing the needle guard (100)and a needle guard assembly comprising the needle guard (100),are also disclosed.