Needle Storage Device with Slider-Actuated Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional needle assembly storage devices are inconvenient for patients to transport and lack a practical method for disposing of used needle assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A needle assembly storage device featuring an array of interconnected compartments with a slider mechanism that allows for easy access, alignment with injection devices, and secure closure, along with a cover system to prevent re-use and facilitate portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If needle assemblies are packaged in individual boxes, then each needle assembly is protected and sterile, but the patient finds it inconvenient to transport multiple separate boxes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual needle assembly packages are merged into a single integrated storage device with multiple compartments. Each compartment maintains individual protection for its needle assembly while the entire array is housed in one portable container, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device serves multiple functions: it stores multiple needle assemblies, provides individual protection for each, enables selective access to specific compartments, and maintains portability. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple single-purpose packages.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional storage device contains multiple needle assemblies in a portable container, then portability is improved, but there is no practical method for disposing of used needle assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into individual compartments, each with its own closure mechanism. This segmentation allows the patient to access and dispose of used needle assemblies by closing individual compartments while leaving others accessible, providing both portability and disposal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanisms (latches or flip-caps) on each compartment are designed to be dynamically openable and closable. This dynamic feature enables the patient to seal used compartments for disposal while maintaining access to unused compartments, adding disposal functionality to the portable storage device.
3Reliability
If a lid is rotatably attached to block access to compartments, then security and protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex rotatable lid mechanism, the device uses individual simple closure elements (latches or flip-caps) on each compartment. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining access control, as each compartment can be independently secured without requiring a complex integrated lid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanisms are designed to be simple dynamic elements that can be easily opened and closed by the patient. Latches provide secure closure with simple engagement, and flip-caps offer even simpler one-handed operation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effective access control.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a needle assembly storage device (1) comprising an array (2) of needle assembly storage compartments (3) and a slider (4) movably disposed on the array (2). Each of the needle assembly storage compartments (3) includes an opening (3.1), rails (S1) disposed on opposing sides of the opening (3.1), and a latch (8) hingedly connected to the needle assembly storage compartment (3). The latch (8) has an open position (O) and a closed position (C) at least partially covering the opening (3.1). The slider (4) includes an opening (4.2) adapted to receive an injection device, arms adapted to engage the rails (S1) and a trailer (10). Movement of the slider (4) relative to the array (2) in a first direction causes the trailer (10) to move the latch (8) in the open position (O) to the closed position (C).