Pen Needle Tip Locking Mechanism Prevents Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pen needles do not effectively prevent reuse and can cause inadvertent needle pricks during handling and disposal, posing safety risks for users and others.
Innovation Solution
A pen needle system with a removable tip that incorporates a safety mechanism, such as a ring or locking member, which moves from an unlocked to a locked position to prevent re-installation and includes a safety cover to prevent accidental exposure to the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle tip is made removable for easy installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent needle pricks increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the needle tip. The cover can be removed to expose the needle for injection, then reattached to protect the user from accidental pricks during handling and disposal. This intermediary element enables easy access when needed while providing protection when not needed.
2Ease of operation
If the needle tip allows easy removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the possibility of reuse increases causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism in the form of a broken or modified threading structure. When the needle tip is removed from the pen needle, the broken threading prevents re-installation. This preliminary design feature ensures that even if the needle tip is easily removed, it cannot be reused, thereby eliminating the risk of infection from re-use.
3Ease of operation
If the needle tip is exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of harmful exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip system employs dynamic covering where the cover can be moved between a retracted position (exposing the needle for injection) and an extended position (covering the needle for protection). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its state based on operational needs, providing easy access during use while ensuring protection during handling and disposal.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle tip assembly for a pre-loaded syringe or a pen needle injection device, the needle tip assembly including a body comprising a double-ended needle and being installable and removable from the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device. A needle cap is configured to cover a skin puncturing end of the double-ended needle and is removable to exposed the skin puncturing end. An outer safety member has a first portion that surrounds the body and a second portion that surrounds the skin puncturing end.