Plastic Resilient Arm Needle Shield Eliminates Particle Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle tip protection systems for catheters, typically made of metal and plastic, face issues such as the release of microscopic particles into the bloodstream and uncomfortable scraping vibrations during needle withdrawal, posing health and patient comfort risks.
Innovation Solution
A needle tip shielding device comprising a monolithic plastic base plate with a hole and resilient arms, featuring a knob with outer curvature for secure interaction with the catheter hub, ensuring reliable protection without particle release and minimizing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring clip is used for needle tip protection, then reliable needle shielding is achieved, but microscopic plastic chips and metallic particles are released into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic (polymer), fundamentally altering the interaction between the spring clip and catheter hub. This material substitution eliminates particle release while maintaining the mechanical functionality of the spring clip mechanism for needle tip protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is constructed from plastic material that combines the necessary mechanical properties (elasticity, strength) with biocompatibility. This composite approach allows the material to function as both a protective mechanism and a non-contaminating component.
2Ease of operation
If a metal spring clip scrapes against the plastic catheter hub during ejection, then the spring clip is released from the hub, but scraping vibrations are generated causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter from metal to plastic, the invention fundamentally alters the friction and vibration characteristics during the spring clip's ejection from the catheter hub. The plastic material provides smoother interaction, eliminating the scraping vibrations that occur with metal-on-plastic contact.
3Reliability
If the spring clip is retained in the catheter hub until needle withdrawal, then automatic needle protection is maintained, but the spring clip must pass beyond a bulge in the hub cavity requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The material change from metal to plastic alters the interaction dynamics between the spring clip and the catheter hub. The plastic material provides more compliant engagement with the bulge, reducing the precision requirements for positioning while maintaining the automatic protection function throughout needle withdrawal.
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
The solution effectively prevents the release of microscopic particles and reduces scraping vibrations, enhancing safety and comfort by using a plastic material with flexible arms that securely lock and release the needle tip without causing harm or discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient arm extending at an attachment point at said base plate, wherein said at least one resilient arm has a resting state wherein a distal hook of the resilient arm will coincide with a straight imaginary line extending longitudinally through said hole
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
A needle tip shielding device (100), comprising a base plate (101) with a hole (102) extending there through from the proximal side of the base plate (101) to the distal side of the base plate, and at least one resilient arm (103) extending at an attachment point at said base plate (101) is provided. The resilient arm (103) has a resting state wherein a distal hook (104) of the resilient arm (103) will coincide with a straight imaginary line extending longitudinally through said hole (102) in the axial direction of said base plate (101). The resilient arm (103) comprises a knob (105) at its distal end, said knob (105) extending laterally from the resilient arm (103). The knob (105) is shaped with an outer curvature in the transversal plane (106) around an axis parallel to the central axis of the needle tip shielding device (100), and said knob (105) is shaped with an outer curvature in the midsaggital plane (107) around an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the needle tip shielding device (100).