Needle Shielding Flag Structures for Vascular Access Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular access systems lack effective protection mechanisms for needle tips after use, posing a risk of accidental needle sticks and inadequate safety for operators and patients.
Innovation Solution
A needle tip shield assembly featuring a V-clip with multiple flags that form an engageable barrier to prevent needle penetration, providing structural support and secure housing for the needle tip within a catheter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple needle shield housing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of needle tip protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shield structure is divided into multiple functional segments: a housing, a V-shaped clip with first and second arms, and multiple flags (first flag on first arm, second flag on second arm). Each segment performs a specific protective function, with the flags creating sequential barriers that reliably prevent needle re-penetration while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped clip arms are configured to extend in opposite directions from a pivot point, creating a two-dimensional barrier structure. The flags extend transversely across the space between the arms, adding a third dimensional layer of protection. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures comprehensive needle tip containment without requiring excessive structural complexity
2Reliability
If multiple flags are added to form barriers, then reliability of needle protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flags are integrated onto the V-shaped clip structure, with the first flag attached to the first arm and the second flag attached to the second arm. The flags are positioned to create overlapping barriers that work together as a unified protection system, reducing the need for separate protective components while enhancing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped clip is designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing the arms and attached flags to dynamically adjust their position. The clip can open to allow needle insertion and then close to trap the needle tip, with the flags providing dynamic barrier engagement. This dynamic mechanism achieves reliable protection without requiring multiple fixed structural components
Data Source
AI summary
An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle tip shield assembly. The needle tip shield assembly may have a needle cap, the needle cap may have a needle shield, and the needle shield may have one or more flags. The flags may include a first flag and a second flag. The first flag and the second flag may form an engageable barrier through which the needle cannot penetrate once the barrier is engaged. The needle shield may be a V-clip. The V-clip may include a first arm and a second arm, and the first flag may be secured to the first arm while the second flag may be secured to the second arm.