Integrated Pen Needle Cover with Lockout and Sterility Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pen needle packaging lacks an efficient and user-friendly method for both pre-use and post-use storage, often requiring multiple components and not preventing accidental reuse.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a cover with open ends and a sterility barrier, such as a blister pack or flow wrap, that securely engages the pen needle hub, prevents rotation, and includes a lockout feature to prevent reuse, while allowing easy connection and disconnection to an injection device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging with multiple components (outer shield, inner shield, label) is used, then sterility protection is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the outer shield, inner shield, and label into a single integrated cover component. The cover includes an outer shield portion, inner shield portion, and label portion that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining sterility protection and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cover component performs multiple functions: it provides sterility protection, serves as a handle for gripping, includes lockout features to prevent reuse, and displays product information through the integrated label. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required separate components.
2Reliability
If traditional packaging with multiple components is used, then sterility protection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single cover, the patent simplifies the handling process. Users no longer need to manage separate outer shields, inner shields, and labels - they simply handle the single cover unit, reducing cognitive load and manual steps while maintaining comprehensive sterility protection.
3Reliability
If lockout feature is added to prevent reuse, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout features are integrated into the single cover component rather than being separate mechanisms. The cover includes lockout features that prevent reuse of the needle assembly, and these features are built into the cover's structure itself, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions including sterility protection, handling, and safety lockout features. By making the cover multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated lockout devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
4Ease of operation
If single cover component is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the cover is a single integrated component, it is designed with segmented functional zones: an outer shield portion, inner shield portion, and label portion. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as one piece, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A package for a medical cannula with a hub, such as a pen needle, is disclosed. The package includes a cover for receiving a medical cannula and for engaging a hub of the medical cannula. The cover has open ends that are in communication through the cover. The packaging also includes a sterility barrier for the cover.