Prefilled Syringe Injector With Retractable Needle Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many patients fear needle injections, leading to non-compliance with injectable therapies, which affects healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies.
Innovation Solution
A pre-filled syringe safety device with a manually actuated injector that allows users to control the injection process, featuring a tube that shields the needle before and after use, and a mechanism to lock the needle in an extended position, ensuring the needle is protected during and after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional syringe and needle is used, then the injection can be administered, but the patient experiences fear and anxiety due to exposed needle
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is nested within a protective device housing that contains a movable shield. The shield can be positioned to cover or expose the needle as needed, allowing the needle to be hidden during storage and transport while being accessible during injection. This nesting structure eliminates the need for separate needle caps and reduces patient anxiety about exposed needles.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable shield acts as an intermediary between the needle and the patient. This shield can be automatically or manually positioned to block the patient's view of the needle before injection, reducing fear and anxiety. The shield serves as a psychological buffer without interfering with the actual injection process.
2Ease of operation
If an auto-injector is used, then the injection process is simplified and needle fear is reduced, but the patient loses control over the injection timing and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a movable shield that can be dynamically positioned during the injection process. The shield can be automatically retracted to expose the needle at the start of injection and then repositioned during administration. This dynamic adjustment allows the patient to maintain control over the injection pace while benefiting from automated needle exposure and protection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes automated mechanisms for needle exposure and shield positioning that activate when the patient initiates the injection. The spring-loaded plunger can be manually triggered by the patient, who then controls the start and pace of medication delivery. The automated components handle needle exposure and protection, while the patient maintains control over the injection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle is exposed for manual injection control, then the patient can control the injection process, but the needle becomes vulnerable to accidental sticks and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-positions the movable shield to cover the needle before the injection process begins. The shield remains in place during storage, transport, and initial handling, eliminating the need for separate needle caps. When the patient is ready to inject, the shield is automatically or manually retracted to expose the needle. After injection, the shield automatically or manually returns to cover the needle, preventing accidental sticks and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shield serves as a protective intermediary between the exposed needle and the external environment. During the brief period when the needle must be exposed for patient control, the shield can be quickly positioned to minimize exposure time. The shield acts as a physical barrier that prevents accidental needle sticks and contamination while allowing controlled access when needed.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective shield is added to cover the needle, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shield is merged with the device housing to form an integrated structure. The shield is built into the housing as a movable component rather than being a separate attachment. This integration eliminates the need for separate needle caps and reduces the number of discrete parts. The spring-loaded plunger mechanism is also integrated with the shield positioning system, allowing a single user action to coordinate both plunger movement and shield retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shield is nested within the device housing, sliding along guide rails or tracks that are integral to the housing structure. The shield can be positioned in multiple states (fully covered, partially exposed, fully exposed) within the same housing structure. This nesting approach allows the protective function to be built into the basic device architecture without adding significant external complexity.
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
Enhances patient compliance with injectable therapies by reducing fear of needle injections, providing a controlled and safe injection experience.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member may be engaged with the cartridge and the tube so as to bias the tube in the extended state
Data Source
AI summary
A prefilled syringe safety device and injector for use with a syringe. The prefilled syringe safety device and injector includes a cartridge, a casing, a tube, a biasing member, a ring, and a plunger slider. The cartridge supports the syringe. The cartridge is supported within the casing. The tube includes a tube distal end. The tube is slidably engaged with the cartridge and can be in an extended state and in a retracted state. When in the retracted state, the needle of the syringe extends beyond the tube distal end and the casing distal opening. The biasing member is engaged with the cartridge and the tube to bias the tube in the extended state. The ring includes a protrusion and is engaged with the tube and the biasing member. The protrusion is positioned within the track. The plunger slider extends from the plunger of the syringe.