Needle Shield Grip Structure for Secure Handling With Limited Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Needle shields/guards are difficult for users with reduced finger dexterity or sensitivity to securely grasp due to their small size and cylindrical shape, posing challenges in safe handling and preventing inadvertent needle sticks.
Innovation Solution
A needle guard grip device with a body featuring alternating convex and concave ribs and a retainer clip that securely engages the needle shield, facilitating ergonomic handling and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle shield is made small and cylindrical to cover the needle tip, then it effectively protects against needle sticks, but it becomes difficult for users with reduced finger dexterity to grasp securely
Solution Approach 1:
The needle shield is divided into two functional parts: a small cylindrical shield portion for needle protection and a larger grip device portion with ergonomic features for easy handling. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip device serves as an intermediary between the user's hand and the needle shield. It provides a comfortable gripping surface with ribs and varying textures that facilitate secure holding, while mechanically connecting to the shield to transmit the user's gripping force effectively.
2Area of stationary object
If the needle shield is made small for effective coverage, then it provides adequate protection, but the surface area for finger contact is insufficient for secure grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The grip device extends the functional surface area into additional dimensions beyond the simple cylindrical shield. It incorporates longitudinal ribs that extend along the axis, creating multiple contact zones for fingers, and varies the radial dimension with protruding sections to provide ergonomic finger placement areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the grip device have different surface characteristics optimized for specific functions. The outer surface features ribs with varying textures and protruding sections that provide enhanced friction and comfort at finger contact points, while the inner region maintains the compact cylindrical shape needed for needle coverage.
3Shape
If the needle shield has a simple cylindrical shape for effective coverage, then it provides adequate protection, but it lacks ergonomic features for comfortable and secure handling
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into the cylindrical shield portion that maintains the simple effective shape for needle coverage, and a separate grip device portion that incorporates complex ergonomic features including ribs, varying diameters, and textured surfaces for comfortable handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip device incorporates curved and rounded features including longitudinal ribs with smooth contours and varying radial protrusions that conform to the natural curvature of fingers, providing ergonomic contact surfaces that enhance grip comfort and security.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle guard grip device may include a body extending from a first end to a second end along a central longitudinal axis of the body. The body may include a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis. The plurality of ribs may include a first set of longitudinally spaced ribs disposed on a first side of the central longitudinal axis, and a second set of longitudinally spaced ribs disposed on a second side of the central longitudinal axis that is opposite of the first side. Moving along the central longitudinal axis, ribs of the first set of longitudinally spaced ribs may alternate with ribs of the second set of longitudinally spaced ribs.