Injection Needle Lubrication via Support Surface Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Injection needles become blunt after multiple uses, requiring increased force for penetration, leading to discomfort and inefficiency, and often necessitate frequent replacement, resulting in waste and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A method of lubricating injection needles by depositing a lubricating composition on a support and repeatedly penetrating it with the needle, maintaining a lubricated layer that reduces penetration force and extends needle life, allowing multiple uses without frequent exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the injection needle is used multiple times without lubrication, then the needle becomes blunt and requires increased force for penetration, but replacing the needle frequently increases waste and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle service lifeVSAvoidpenetration force

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A layer of lubricating composition is deposited on the support surface before the injection needle is used. This preliminary lubrication layer is then repeatedly penetrated by the needle during multiple uses, maintaining lubrication without requiring needle replacement. The lubricating composition includes ingredients that provide sustained lubrication effect throughout the needle's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricating composition is designed to be repeatedly penetrated by the injection needle, with each penetration re-distributing and re-lubricating the needle surface. The system self-maintains lubrication through the repeated penetration action itself, eliminating the need for external re-lubrication steps or needle replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the injection needle is replaced frequently to maintain sharpness, then penetration force remains low, but time is lost and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration easeVSAvoidneedle exchange time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricating composition is applied to the support surface in advance, creating a ready-to-use lubricated environment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming needle exchanges, as the lubrication is continuously available throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricating composition maintains continuous lubrication effect throughout multiple needle penetrations and uses. The repeated penetration of the lubrication layer ensures continuous lubrication without interruption, allowing the needle to remain sharp and easy to use throughout the entire procedure without replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If a coated material is applied to the injection needle, then initial lubrication is provided, but the coating wears off after first use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication durationVSAvoidcoating integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of coating the needle directly, a lubricating composition layer is placed on the support surface as an intermediary. The needle penetrates this external lubrication layer repeatedly, which replenishes lubrication without requiring the needle itself to maintain a coating. This separates the lubrication function from the needle structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubrication approach changes from a thin coating on the needle to a thicker, more stable layer on the support surface. This parameter change in lubrication layer location and thickness allows the lubrication to persist through multiple penetrations without degrading, as the support surface layer is not subjected to the same wear mechanisms as a needle coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method efficiently maintains the needle lubricated, reducing penetration force, extending its use, and minimizing waste and safety risks, while maintaining control and efficiency in multiple injections.

Implementation Method 1

a lubricating composition for use in the method, wherein the lubricating composition comprises silicone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11406769B2Lubrication of an injection needle

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 GALDERMA HLDG SA

AI summary

A method for lubricating an injection needle when used multiple times at a single occasion to penetrate a support, the method including the steps of: a) depositing a layer of a lubricating composition on the support; b) penetrating multiple times the layer of the lubricating composition deposited in step a) with the injection needle, thereby providing a lubricated injection needle having a deposited layer of the lubricating composition thereon.