Safety Shield for Medical Needles with Self-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical needle safety devices are costly due to complexity and numerous parts, making them inefficient for minimizing hazardous exposure during medical procedures, especially in challenging environments like burn units and psychiatric wards.
Innovation Solution
A safety needle apparatus with a movable shield that locks in place after use, featuring a lock insert and locking member configuration to prevent re-exposure of the needle cannula, allowing for easy assembly and manufacturing while ensuring safe disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sheaths or caps are mounted over the needle after use, then needle protection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is integrated directly into the needle assembly, combining the protective function with the needle structure itself. The shield includes a platform with a base member that supports the needle cannula, eliminating the need for separate sheaths or caps while maintaining reliable needle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield serves multiple functions: it protects the needle during storage and transport, provides a stable platform for the needle during use, and contains locking mechanisms to secure the needle in place. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Reliability
If spring activated or pivoting sheaths are used, then needle protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to complexity and number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into distinct functional segments: a platform for support, a base member for needle positioning, and a locking mechanism with resilient projection members. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses resilient projection members that automatically engage with the needle assembly to secure the shield in place. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for complex spring mechanisms or manual activation systems, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable needle protection.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with resilient projection members is implemented, then needle re-exposure is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the shield structure, with resilient projection members integrated into the platform or base member. This nested design allows the locking function to be incorporated without adding external complexity to the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety needle apparatus is provided. The safety needle apparatus includes a needle assembly including a needle mount and a needle cannula. The needle cannula defines a lumen and has a sharpened distal tip. The needle mount supports the proximal end of the needle cannula and is adapted to engage an intravenous line. The safety apparatus includes a shield positioned about the needle cannula. The needle cannula is movable in relation to the shield. The apparatus also includes a lock insert supported on the needle cannula and a locking member extending from an internal surface of the shield, wherein the locking insert and the locking member are configured to prevent movement of the needle cannula. A platform including a base member, which is configured to support the needle cannula at a substantially orthogonal orientation to the plane of a top surface of the platform and supports the shield, is included.