Sliding Needle Shield With Elastic Return and Plunger Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety syringes with spring-loaded mechanisms are costly and complex, while those using elastic elements do not effectively shield the needle after use, posing a risk of needle stick injuries for healthcare workers.
Innovation Solution
A safety syringe system with a sliding safety shield and elastic return construct that automatically shields the needle after use, utilizing a locking mechanism and elastic arms to transition between exposed and protected positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring is used to advance a cover over the needle or retract the needle into a cover, then the needle shielding function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional metal spring mechanism with an elastic element made of polymer material. This substitution maintains the mechanical function of advancing the cover over the needle while significantly reducing manufacturing cost and simplifying the device structure. The elastic element is integrated into the cover assembly rather than being a separate component, further reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction where the cover assembly is made from polymer materials that provide both structural integrity and elastic properties. This eliminates the need for metal springs while maintaining the required mechanical performance for needle shielding.
2Device complexity
If elastic elements are used to create a spring bias for advancing a plunger, then the device complexity is reduced, but the needle shielding function is not effectively achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elastic element multi-functional by designing it to simultaneously advance the plunger during injection and advance the cover over the needle for shielding. This is achieved by positioning the elastic element to engage with both the plunger and the cover, allowing one component to perform multiple functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each action.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to selectively lock the sliding safety shield, then the safety control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism with the existing elastic element and cover structure. The locking feature is integrated into the interaction between the elastic element and the cover, rather than being a separate independent mechanism. This allows the system to maintain safety control through the existing components working together in a coordinated manner.
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
The system provides a cost-effective and reliable mechanism to automatically shield the needle, reducing the risk of needle stick injuries by ensuring the needle is covered after use, thereby enhancing safety for healthcare workers.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic return construct is provided that has at least one stretchable arm. The elastic return construct engages the first end of the barrel and positions each stretchable arm along the exterior of the barrel.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety syringe system that automatically shields a needle after an injection. A plunger extends into a barrel. An elastic return construct is provided that has at least one stretchable arm. The elastic return construct engages the barrel and positions each stretchable arm along the exterior of the barrel. A safety shield is provided that slides over a first end of the barrel. In a first position, the needle is protected by the safety shield. In a second position, the needle is exposed. The safety shield engages and stretches the elastic return construct when moved from the first position to the second position. A locking mechanism is used to lock the safety shield into its second position. The locking mechanism is released by elements displaced by movement of the plunger.