Needle Protector Sleeve With Actuator Cover for Needle-Stick Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle assemblies pose risks of unintentional needle punctures and inadvertent actuation during venipuncture procedures, necessitating improved safety mechanisms for safe and sanitary handling.
Innovation Solution
A needle protector system with a retractable needle shield and actuator cover that deploys a safety shield to cover the needle after use, featuring a lock-out mechanism to prevent retraction and a removable sleeve to secure the actuator, thereby preventing accidental needle sticks and unintended actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a needle assembly is exposed for venipuncture use, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintentional needle puncture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shield is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the hub, ready to deploy automatically when the needle is inserted into the patient. This preliminary positioning ensures that safety protection is already in place before the venipuncture procedure begins, eliminating the need for separate safety actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle shield automatically deploys to cover the needle after insertion and remains in place until intentionally reset by the user. The system serves its own safety function autonomously without requiring external intervention, and the reset mechanism allows the same shield to be reused for subsequent procedures.
2Reliability
If a retractable needle shield is implemented, then safety after use is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shield is integrated directly into the hub structure, combining the safety shield function with the mounting structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate safety devices and reduces the overall number of components, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle shield serves multiple functions: it protects the needle during storage, automatically deploys for safety during use, and can be reset for reuse. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety mechanisms and disposable components, simplifying the overall system design.
3Ease of operation
If an actuator is exposed for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of inadvertent actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator cover is positioned over the actuator in a nested configuration, with the cover forming an outer protective layer. This nesting arrangement allows the actuator to remain accessible for intentional operation while being protected from accidental activation by external forces or contact.
4Reliability
If safety mechanisms are added to needle assemblies, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shield and actuator cover are integrated into the hub structure as unified components rather than separate assemblies. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub structure is designed to perform multiple functions: mounting the needle, housing the retractable shield, and protecting the actuator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate safety components, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving overall reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of needle protectors are disclosed for use with a needle assembly that includes a needle, a housing from which the needle extends, and an actuator for activating a safety mechanism following use of the needle. A needle protector can have a sleeve configured with a lumen sized to accept the needle and a length that extends at least partially over the needle. A cuff can be connected to the sleeve and having a cavity shaped to receive a portion of the housing. An actuator cover can extend from the cuff, opposite the sleeve, and configured to cover the actuator when the needle protector is in place over the needle.