Needle Shield Feature Crimping Without Lumen Occlusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating features on the outer surface of IV needles often result in partial or complete occlusion of the inner lumen, leading to decreased flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves crimping the needle between upper and lower anvils with recessed surfaces that mirror the outer surface, preventing contact with the inner lumen and allowing for the creation of features on the outer surface without compromising flow efficiency, or using a stylet/mandrel to maintain the inner lumen's shape during compression, and applying lubricants to facilitate feature creation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the needle is crimped between upper and lower anvils to provide a feature on the outer surface, then the outer surface is modified successfully, but the inner lumen is partially or completely occluded resulting in decreased flow efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A mandrel is introduced as an intermediary object inserted into the inner lumen of the needle before crimping. The mandrel acts as a placeholder that prevents the anvils from compressing the inner lumen walls during the crimping process. After the external feature is formed, the mandrel is removed, leaving the inner lumen intact and patent, thus resolving the contradiction between forming an external feature and maintaining internal flow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel is inserted into the needle lumen before the crimping operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the inner lumen is protected from deformation during the subsequent crimping process, allowing the external feature to be formed without compromising the internal flow path
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
This approach enables the creation of external needle features without affecting the inner lumen's cross-sectional profile, preserving flow efficiency and allowing for various feature configurations, including protrusions, recesses, and textures, while maintaining fluid passage.
Implementation Method 1
a planar surface of the anvils contacts a side portion of the outer surface of the needle. This contact between the anvils and the outer surface of the needle plastically deforms the side portion of the needle to provide a needle feature
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, a lubricant is applied to the outer surface of the mandrel prior to insertion of the mandrel within the inner lumen. In other embodiments, a lubricant is applied to the surface of the inner lumen prior to insertion of the mandrel therein
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A gripping surface is provided on an outer surface of a needle shield as incorporated into an intravenous catheter assembly. The gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable "over the bevel" condition.