Needle Protection Device With Elastic Return Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle protection devices for drug delivery devices are complex, require multiple components, and are difficult to use and manufacture, failing to provide efficient protection both before and after use without occupying significant storage space.
Innovation Solution
A protection device with a fixing element, pivot links, and elastic return means that automatically transitions from a configuration covering the needle before use to exposing it during injection and then re-covering it after use, using a limited number of components and simple manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection device with multiple components and complex systems is used to protect the needle before and after use, then the protection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated cap structure that can protect the needle both before and after use. The cap includes a proximal portion for pre-use protection and a distal portion for post-use protection, merged into one component rather than requiring separate protective devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to perform multiple functions: protecting the needle tip before use, maintaining protection during storage, and protecting the used needle after injection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protective components for different stages of needle usage.
2Reliability
If a protection device with multiple components and fastidious opening steps is used, then the protection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-configured in a closed protective position during manufacturing and storage. Before use, the cap simply needs to be removed or opened, and the needle is automatically exposed without requiring complex manual manipulation steps. This preliminary preparation simplifies the user operation significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively manipulate multiple components to achieve protection, the device is designed so that protection is the default state and the user simply needs to remove or open the cap to access the needle. The protective action is inverted from an active process to a passive default state.
3Reliability
If a protection device occupying significant volume is used, then the protection reliability is improved, but the storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to fit closely around the needle and tip assembly, nesting the protective structure within the existing device footprint. The proximal and distal portions of the cap are configured to wrap around the needle without adding significant external volume, allowing efficient storage space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap utilizes a shell structure with thin-walled construction that provides adequate protection while minimizing material usage and overall volume. The flexible shell design allows the cap to conform to the needle shape, reducing the volume required for storage compared to rigid protective 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 device is simple to use and manufacture, reduces the risk of accidental needle sticks, and occupies a limited volume, providing effective protection before and after use without the need for additional maintaining components.
Implementation Method 1
pivot links comprise elastic return means configured to automatically transition said protective legs from their first configuration to their second configuration upon removal of said removable maintaining means
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a protection device (1) for a needle (203) of a tip (201) of a drug delivery device (202), comprising: —fixing means (2) for fixing the protection device to said tip, —protective legs (4) capable of transitioning from a first configuration ration in which they cover the needle, to a second configuration in which the needle is exposed, and to a third configuration in which they cover the needle, via pivot links, —removable maintaining means for maintaining the protective legs in their first configuration, —retaining means (9, 10) for retaining the protective legs in their third configuration, said pivot links comprising elastic return means (5) for automatically transitioning the protective legs from their first configuration to their second configuration. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a drug delivery device and said protection device, and to a method for manufacturing said protection device.