Combined Needle Shield and Cap with Compressible Rubber Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices require separate removal of a cap and needle shield, which can be difficult for users to manage, especially due to the proximity of the rubber needle shield to the needle, causing discomfort and potential needle damage.
Innovation Solution
A combined needle shield and cap component made from a unitary compressible rubber body with a grip arrangement, allowing for single-action removal and secure retention within the device to prevent accidental cap removal and minimize needle damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate rubber needle shield is used to protect the needle, then needle protection is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring separate removal of cap and needle shield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cap and needle shield into a single integrated component made of compressible rubber material. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate cap and needle shield removal steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining needle protection functionality throughout the entire component.
2Reliability
If a rubber needle shield is used to seal and protect the needle, then needle protection is improved, but ease of operation worsens because the rubber needle shield is difficult to hold and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different portions of the compressible rubber component. The distal end portion has a smooth surface for needle protection, while the proximal end portion includes grip features such as ridges or grooves that provide enhanced friction and tactile feedback, making it easier for users to grasp and remove the component.
3Ease of operation
If the cap is made large and easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental removal risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compressible rubber material that dynamically adapts to the housing bore. When inserted, the rubber component is compressed radially inward, creating frictional engagement with the housing walls. This dynamic compression provides secure retention during storage while allowing intentional removal through user grip forces applied to the proximal end portion.
4Volume of moving object
If the rubber needle shield is positioned close to the needle, then device compactness is improved, but user comfort worsens due to discomfort about removing the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the compressible rubber component beyond the needle tip in the proximal direction, creating a distal end portion that shields the needle and a proximal end portion that extends forward. This dimensional extension provides a gripable region away from the needle, allowing users to remove the component without touching or fearing contact with the needle.
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
Simplifies the use of injection devices by combining the functions of a needle shield and cap, facilitating easy removal while ensuring secure retention and reducing the risk of needle damage during use.
Implementation Method 1
The outer diameter of the distal end of the compressible body may be, when the compressible body is in an uncompressed state, greater than an internal diameter of the injection device into which the compressible body is insertable. This ensures compression of the distal end of the needle shield and cap component when it is located on the injection device, which can help to retain the cap and needle shield component in the injection device through friction
Implementation Method 2
The outer diameter of the distal end of the compressible body may be, when the compressible body is in an uncompressed state, greater than an internal diameter of the injection device into which the compressible body is insertable. This ensures compression of the distal end of the needle shield and cap component when it is located on the injection device, which can help to retain the cap and needle shield component in the injection device through friction
Data Source
AI summary
A component for an injection device is a combined needle shield and cap component. It comprises a unitary compressible body moulded from rubber. The unitary compressible body has formed therein a cavity for shielding a needle, the cavity having an opening at a first end of the component and extending axially within the component. It also has formed thereon a grip arrangement comprising one or more shape features that permit gripping by a user of the component so as to facilitate the application of force by the user along the longitudinal axis of the component. The combined needle shield and cap component has a distal end configured to be partly insertable into a body of an injection device. The outer surface of the compressible body has a step profile at a location between the distal end of the compressible body, which is configured to be inserted into the injection device, and an adjacent part of the compressible body, which is configured to remain outside of injection device, wherein the distal end of the compressible body has a smaller diameter than the adjacent part of the compressible body.