Needle Tip Storage and Removal Device with Segmented Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional needle tip removal systems pose a risk of needle stick injury due to improper handling and disposal, as users often reuse needle tips and fail to follow recommended procedures for immediate replacement and safe disposal.

Innovation Solution

A needle tip storage and removal device with a storage compartment and a removal compartment, featuring a snap lock mechanism and a removable sealing element, allows for safe storage and removal of needle tips, preventing exposure and ensuring secure disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users reuse needle tips for multiple injections, then the device can be used repeatedly, but the risk of needle stick injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of injections per needle tipVSAvoidrisk of needle stick injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional compartments: a storage compartment for new needle tips, an injection compartment for active use, and a disposal compartment for used needle tips. This segmentation ensures that used needles are automatically isolated from the user after injection, eliminating the need for manual handling and disposal while allowing continuous reuse of the device body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device body acts as an intermediary container system between the needle tips and the user. Instead of users directly handling used needle tips, the disposal compartment serves as an intermediary receptacle that automatically receives and secures used needles through a snap-action mechanism, preventing direct user contact and associated injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users manually remove needle tips after injection, then needle replacement is possible, but exposure to the needle occurs during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle replacement capabilityVSAvoidneedle exposure during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal compartment performs self-service by automatically capturing used needle tips through a snap-action mechanism when the compartment is opened or closed. This eliminates the need for users to manually grasp or manipulate exposed needle tips during the removal process, as the mechanism itself handles the containment task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-configured with a disposed needle tip already secured in the disposal compartment before the user begins injection. After use, the transition to the disposal state occurs through a predetermined mechanical action (opening/closing the compartment) that automatically transfers the needle to the secure disposal position, eliminating unpredictable manual handling steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If needle tips are stored in foil-sealed containers, then protection during storage is provided, but the container must be retained and reused for safe removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during storageVSAvoidrequirement to retain and reuse container

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device body serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective storage container for new needle tips, a mounting device for injection, and a disposal container for used needle tips. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective containers and their associated retention requirements, as the single device body performs all containment roles throughout the needle lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the storage, injection, and disposal functions into a single integrated device body. Instead of requiring users to manage separate protective containers and retain them for later use, the system combines all containment functions into one device, automatically managing needle protection and disposal without requiring user retention of auxiliary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If needle tips are left in place and covered with device cap, then storage space is saved, but needle stick risk remains during later removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidneedle stick risk during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into functional zones including a dedicated disposal compartment that provides a controlled environment for needle containment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while providing specialized protection during needle disposal, eliminating the need for users to manually handle exposed needles even when components are minimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10898636B2Needle tip storage and removal device

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 OWEN MUMFORD

AI summary

A needle tip storage and removal device comprises a storage compartment having a splined socket which engages complementary splines on a needle tip collar, the storage compartment being sealed by a peelable foil. Alongside the storage compartment is a removal compartment having a drive socket of similar configuration. The device assists safe removal and disposal of a used needle prior to fitting a new needle.