Needle Safety Flap Guide Deflects Point Into Secure Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle protection mechanisms fail to prevent reexposure of needle points when protective flaps collapse, posing a risk of needle sticks, especially during disposal or accidental force application.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movably mounted flap that includes a guide positioned at an incline relative to the needle, deflecting the needle point into a secure space upon flap collapse, and optionally shielded by a clip or joint, ensuring the needle remains protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective flap is used to cover the needle point, then needle protection is improved, but the flap may collapse under strong forces causing reexposure of the needle point
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the protective flap and the secure space. The guide has a deflective portion that redirects the needle point into the secure space when the flap collapses, preventing direct reexposure while allowing the flap to collapse without compromising protection
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-positioned to intercept and redirect the needle point before it can reach the exterior. The deflective portion of the guide creates a predetermined path that channels the needle into the secure space, cushioning against the harmful effect of flap collapse
2Strength
If the flap is made more robust to prevent collapse, then collapse resistance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of strengthening the flap itself, a guide structure is introduced as a mediating element that manages the needle's path during collapse. This approach maintains flap simplicity while adding protection through the guide's geometric design rather than structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the geometric parameters of the guide structure (incline angle, deflective portion orientation) to optimize needle redirection. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective needle containment without requiring a robust flap design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a guide structure is added to deflect the needle, then needle redirection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is integrated with the housing and secure space as unified components rather than separate additions. The guide's deflective portion merges with the housing structure, and the secure space is formed as part of the overall assembly, reducing total component count despite added functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure utilizes thin-walled geometric features formed within the housing rather than bulky mechanical components. The deflective portion can be formed as a thin structural element that effectively redirects the needle through its geometric shape rather than requiring thick or complex materials
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device are disclosed for preventing a needle stick hazard in the event of a collapse of a protective needle flap of a portable drug pump. The device may include a needle guide, a secure space and/or a shield. A point of a needle is optionally deflected into a secure space upon collapse of the protective flap. The space may optionally be shielded. Optionally, the support linking the needle to the pump may pivot and/or translate. Optionally, there may be an exposing position wherein the needle protrudes through an opening in the flap. Optionally, the opening may be non-circular.