Handheld Needle Shield Removal Tool with Pull Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle shield removal tools are inconvenient, often require mounting to a surface, and fail to adequately protect users from accidental needle sticks due to inadequate design, particularly for users with reduced manual dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated needle shield removal tool featuring a pull ring integrally formed with an attachment cavity that engages and holds the needle shield, providing a safeguard distance to prevent recoil and exposure during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle shield removal device is mounted to a wall or counter top, then the device can securely hold the needle shield during removal, but the convenience and operability for the user is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is designed to be self-contained and portable, eliminating the need for wall or counter top mounting. The device can be held and operated by the user's hand, making it self-service and convenient to use anywhere without requiring fixed installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a fixed, stationary mounting solution to a portable, hand-held solution by changing the dimension of operation from fixed installation to mobile携带. This allows the device to be easily transported and used in different locations while maintaining its functional integrity.
2Reliability
If compression springs are used to lock the needle shield within the cavity, then the needle shield can be securely held, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring component is completely removed from the device. Instead of using a spring-based locking mechanism, the device employs a simpler geometric interlocking system where the needle shield's collar fits into the cavity with a stop feature that prevents removal, eliminating the need for complex spring mechanisms and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a simple, inexpensive geometric locking mechanism rather than expensive mechanical components like compression springs. The locking feature is integrated into the basic structure of the device, making it cost-effective to manufacture while still providing reliable needle shield retention.
3Ease of operation
If the needle shield is pulled apart from the syringe assembly using both hands, then the removal action can be performed, but accidental needle stick injuries occur due to body reflexes
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device acts as an intermediary between the user's hands and the needle shield. The user grasps the device's handle rather than directly pulling the needle shield, and the device mechanically engages with the needle shield to perform the removal. This intermediary structure provides stability and control, preventing the sudden movements and body reflexes that cause accidental needle sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to control and cushion the removal motion through its mechanical structure. The cavity and stop features guide the needle shield's movement, preventing sudden releases or recoils that could cause the needle to strike the user's hand. The design anticipates and mitigates the harmful reflex movements before they can occur.
4Reliability
If screw threads are used to anchor the needle shield within the removal tool, then the needle shield can be securely held, but the device becomes inoperable if the threads do not fully engage
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread mechanism is completely removed from the device. Instead of using threaded engagement, the device employs a simple friction fit and geometric interlocking system where the needle shield's collar fits into the cavity and is retained by a stop feature, eliminating the complexity and potential failure modes of threaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle shield's own collar structure serves as the anchoring mechanism. The collar fits into the cavity and the stop feature prevents removal, using the needle shield's existing geometry rather than requiring additional threading or complex engagement mechanisms. This self-service approach ensures reliable anchoring without the operability issues of threaded systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A removal tool for a needle shield includes an attachment cavity having an interior wall extending along a length of the attachment cavity and accessible via a sidewall aperture. The interior wall is sized to receive and engage the needle shield. A pull ring is connected to and extends from a proximal end of the attachment cavity. The pull ring has an exterior wall extending along an outer circumference of the pull ring and an interior wall extending along an inner circumference of the pull ring. The inner circumference is sized to accommodate at least one finger of a user.