Single-Piece Needle Shield with Dynamic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle shield designs for intravenous catheters do not effectively prevent accidental contact with the sharp distal tip of the needle after withdrawal, posing a risk of injury and inefficiency in handling.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece shield with a top and bottom portion that transitions from an unlocked to a locked position, using tabs and notches to secure the distal tip of the needle within the shield, preventing it from passing through the distal needle opening once locked, and featuring protrusions for retention within the catheter adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional needle shield design is used, then the structure is simple, but the shield cannot effectively prevent accidental contact with the sharp distal tip of the needle after withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The shield transitions from an unlocked position during insertion to a locked position after needle withdrawal. The top and bottom portions are initially spaced apart to allow needle passage, then converge to trap the distal tip within the shield, dynamically adapting to different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is nested within the shield structure during insertion, and after withdrawal, the distal tip becomes trapped within the confined space formed by the converging top and bottom portions, creating a nested configuration that secures the sharp tip.
2Reliability
If the shield structure is made more complex to improve safety, then safety effectiveness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is formed as a single integrated piece comprising the top portion, bottom portion, and proximal portion all connected together. This merging of components into one monolithic structure simplifies manufacturing while incorporating the complex locked/unlocked functionality through the geometry of the single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The single piece of shield material is divided into functional segments: the top portion with downwardly extending side surfaces, the bottom portion with upwardly extending side surfaces, and the proximal portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining manufacturability as a single component.
3Reliability
If the shield fully covers the needle tip to prevent injury, then safety improves, but the needle cannot be properly inserted or withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The shield dynamically changes its coverage of the needle during operation. During insertion, the top and bottom portions are spaced apart, providing minimal coverage and allowing easy needle passage. After withdrawal, the portions converge to fully cover and trap the distal tip, maximizing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is pre-configured with the top and bottom portions spaced apart to facilitate needle insertion and withdrawal. After the needle is withdrawn from the catheter, the shield then transitions to the locked position where the portions converge to secure the tip, performing the protective action at the appropriate time.
Data Source
AI summary
A shield for a needle of a peripheral intravenous catheter or other IV catheter system is provided. The shield may be formed of a single piece of material that may be bent to form a top portion, a bottom portion, a proximal portion, a top distal portion and a bottom distal portion. The proximal portion may form a proximal needle opening and the top or bottom distal portion may form a distal needle opening to allow a needle to extend through the shield when the shield is positioned within the lumen of a catheter adapter. When the distal tip of the needle is withdrawn proximally, the shield may transition from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the distal tip will be retained within the shield.