Pen Needle Removal Ejector for Safe Sharps Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery pens pose a safety risk due to the exposure of used pen needles during removal and disposal, leading to potential accidental needle sticks.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone removal device, either integrated into a cap or a separate body, securely retains and ejects used pen needles without exposing the needle, utilizing an interference fit and an ejector mechanism to facilitate safe disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a used pen needle is removed from a drug delivery device for disposal, then the needle can be properly disposed of, but the needle is exposed creating a safety risk for accidental needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
A removal device serves as an intermediary between the used needle and the disposal process. The device includes a cavity that receives the needle hub and an ejector mechanism that pushes the needle out through a controlled path, preventing direct exposure to users while enabling proper disposal in a sharps container
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is extracted from the drug delivery device within a protected environment. The removal device captures the needle hub and uses an ejector to push the needle through a designated opening, separating the needle from the device while maintaining safety through the protective cavity structure
2Reliability
If a removal device is designed to securely retain and eject needles, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body with a cavity for receiving the needle hub, an ejector mechanism for pushing the needle out, and an opening for controlled ejection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user through a simple pushing motion on the ejector itself. The device serves itself by using the user's action on the ejector to automatically push the needle out through the opening, eliminating the need for complex automated ejection systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents accidental needle sticks by securely retaining and ejecting used pen needles within a sharps container, ensuring safe handling and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
An ejector is movably connected to the body for engaging the received pen needle and selectively ejecting the engaged pen needle from the body
Implementation Method 2
A patient end of a needle of the pen needle is covered by the body of the removal device
Data Source
AI summary
A removal device (121, 221) for removing and disposing of a pen needle (113, 213) connectable to a drug delivery device (111, 211) includes a body (123, 223) having a cavity (141, 241) for receiving the pen needle of the drug delivery device such that a patient end (116, 216) of a needle (115, 215) of the pen needle is covered by the body. An ejector (151, 251) is movably connected to the body (123, 223) for engaging the received pen needle (113, 213) and selectively ejecting the engaged pen needle from the body. The pen needle (113, 213) is securely retained within the removal device (121, 221) without exposing the needle (115, 215) of the pen needle until the pen needle (113, 213) can be properly disposed of, such as in a sharps container, thereby substantially preventing an accidental needle stick.