Protected Needle Assembly with Resilient Inner Barrel and Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hypodermic needle safety devices do not effectively prevent accidental exposure and retraction of needles after use, posing risks to healthcare personnel.

Innovation Solution

A protected needle assembly with an outer barrel and an inner barrel that is resiliently biased to extend around the needle, featuring a locking mechanism and serrated channel system to allow one-time deployment and subsequent inhibition of retraction, ensuring the needle remains enclosed after use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the inner barrel is made retractable to deploy the needle, then the needle can be exposed for use, but the needle may accidentally retract or fail to remain secured after use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle deploymentVSAvoidneedle security after use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static design to a dynamic one that changes state based on usage. The resilient member allows the inner barrel to retract during deployment, then the locking mechanism engages to lock the inner barrel in its retracted position, preventing accidental exposure. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between ease of deployment and reliability of security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking member with engagement features, the resilient member for actuation, and the inner barrel with corresponding engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the resilient member provides the force for retraction, the locking member captures the retracted position, and the inner barrel moves freely during deployment but is secured afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental retraction, then needle security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle security after useVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the resilient member. When the inner barrel is pushed to deploy the needle, the resilient member is compressed and automatically engages the locking member to lock the inner barrel in the retracted position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators, springs, or complex control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member acts as an intermediary between the inner barrel's movement and the locking mechanism's engagement. It translates the linear motion of the inner barrel during deployment into the activation of the locking member, providing a simple mechanical linkage that connects the moving and stationary components without requiring complex transmission mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the inner barrel extends about the needle in protected mode, then needle safety is improved, but the needle cannot be deployed for injection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle exposure riskVSAvoidneedle deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inner barrel transitions dynamically between two states: the protected extended state during storage and transport, and the retracted deployed state during injection. The resilient member enables this dynamic transition by providing the necessary force to retract the inner barrel when pressure is applied, allowing the needle to be deployed for its intended use while maintaining safety during non-use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly effectively prevents needle exposure and retraction, enhancing safety for healthcare workers by ensuring the needle is securely enclosed after use, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Implementation Method 1

an inner barrel resiliently biased to extend about the needle in a protected needle mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilient bias: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the hub and the inner barrel bias outwards once more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring bias: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11213631B2Protected needle assembly for a hypodermic needle

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 DIFINITY SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

There is provided a protected needle assembly. The assembly includes an outer barrel receiving a needle therethrough. The assembly includes an inner barrel resiliently biased to extend about the needle in a protected needle mode. The inner barrel is retractable into the outer barrel in a first instance to deploy the needle. The assembly includes a locking mechanism actuated upon the inner barrel moving towards the protected needle mode once more. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit further retraction of the inner barrel thereafter.