Needle Tip Protector Assembly Retaining Arms Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety IV catheter assemblies often fail to prevent accidental needle stick injuries due to premature release of the needle guard from the catheter hub, and they are costly to manufacture, especially in fluid-filled environments, where the safety mechanisms may malfunction.

Innovation Solution

A needle tip protector assembly with retaining arms and a locking mechanism that secures the tip protector within the catheter hub, using retaining protrusions and recesses for engagement, and a tension creating element to ensure the needle tip is safely covered after withdrawal, preventing axial movement and sideways protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a needle guard assembly is arranged completely in a chamber defined by the catheter hub, then the needle tip can be protected, but the needle guard may be prematurely released under retracting forces during needle withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle tip protection reliabilityVSAvoidneedle guard position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The needle guard assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a base portion with a thorough bore, first and second arms extending axially, first and second retaining arms connected by transverse segments, and a tension creating element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing premature release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second retaining arms are preliminarily positioned and secured within the catheter hub chamber before needle withdrawal occurs. The retaining arms engage with the needle shaft in advance, creating a mechanical linkage that prevents the needle guard from being prematurely released when retracting forces are applied during needle withdrawal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple parts are used in the needle protecting system, then the protective function can be improved, but the manufacturing cost increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle protection functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated needle guard assembly that can be manufactured as one piece. The base portion, arms, retaining arms, and tension creating element are combined into a unified structure, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the protective function. This integration significantly reduces manufacturing cost for the disposable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The needle guard assembly is designed as a multi-functional universal component that provides needle tip protection, automatic retraction, and secure retention within the catheter hub. The first and second arms serve multiple purposes: guiding the needle, providing structural support, and engaging with retaining mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the needle guard is secured steadily in its ready position, then correct protective function is ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective function correctnessVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The needle guard assembly is designed to automatically secure itself in the ready position through its own structural features. The first and second retaining arms automatically engage with corresponding features on the needle shaft when the assembly is inserted into the catheter hub, without requiring external locking mechanisms or complex securing procedures. The tension creating element automatically maintains the arms in their retaining position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical locking systems are replaced with a simpler elastic retention mechanism. The tension creating element (such as an elastic band or spring) provides continuous retaining force to keep the first and second arms engaged with the needle shaft, replacing the need for complex mechanical locks, screws, or multiple fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2736577B1Needle tip protector assembly for safety iv catheter assembly

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 POLY MEDICURE LTD

Figure 1A
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AI summary

The invention relates to a needle tip guard for a safety IV catheter assembly 10 comprising a catheter tube 26 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28; a catheter hub 24 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 28, wherein the distal end 30 is joined to the said catheter tube 26 and the proximal end 28 defines a chamber 34; a needle 14 extending through the catheter hub 24 and the catheter tube 26 having opposite proximal 28 and distal 30 ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end 28 is joined to the needle hub 20 and the distal end 30 forms a sharp tip 18 and a change in profile 36 is provided between the proximal 28 and distal 30 ends of the needle 14; and a tip protector assembly 12 movably arranged in between the catheter hub 24 and needle hub 20 on the needle 14 such that the tip protector assembly 12 is retained partially and/or completely in the chamber 34 of the catheter hub 24 and wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip 18 upon withdrawal of the needle 14 from the catheter hub 24.