Removable Luer Adapter Cap for Safer Fluid Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sample collection containers generate excessive sharps waste and pose a risk of needle-stick injuries due to the non-removable integration of finger grip luer adapters (FGLAs) in the container lids.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a removably coupled finger grip luer adapter and a separate cap and removal tool that allows the FGLA to be separated from the lid, reducing sharps waste and protecting users by enclosing the needle within the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the finger grip luer adapter is non-removably integrated into the container lid, then the sample collection function is simplified and reliable, but the sharps waste volume increases and needle-stick injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The FGLA is divided into two separable components: the adapter body that remains integrated with the lid, and the needle assembly that can be removed and disposed of separately. This segmentation allows the functional benefits of integration while eliminating the waste disposal problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle component is extracted from the integrated FGLA structure, allowing it to be removed and disposed of in a sharps container while the adapter body remains with the lid for potential reuse or standard disposal.
2Reliability
If the finger grip luer adapter is non-removably integrated into the container lid, then the sample collection function is simplified and reliable, but the risk of needle-stick injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted as a separable component from the FGLA assembly, allowing it to be removed after use and disposed of in a sharps container, thereby eliminating the hazard to users while maintaining the reliability of the sample collection function during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates an intermediary state where the needle can be securely attached during use (maintaining reliability) but easily separated afterward (reducing harm), using a coupling mechanism that provides both stability and separability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire container lid is disposed of in a sharps container, then safety is ensured, but the disposal cost increases due to frequent service
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into the reusable lid body and the disposable needle component. Only the needle requires sharps container disposal, dramatically reducing the volume of sharps waste and the frequency of costly disposal services while maintaining safety through proper needle disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle component is designed for single-use disposal in sharps containers, while the lid and adapter body are recovered for potential reuse or standard medical waste disposal, optimizing both safety and cost efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly including a collection container and a container lid couplable to the collection container. An elongate receptacle extends from the container lid into the collection container when the container lid is coupled to the collection container. The elongate receptacle has an open end portion defined within the container lid and is configured to receive a specimen collection tube therein. A finger grip luer adapter is removably coupled to the container lid within the elongate receptacle, the finger grip luer adapter having a needle extending therefrom. An elongate cap is removably coupled to the finger grip luer adapter and is configured to extend over at least the needle of the finger grip luer adapter, wherein an upper portion of the elongate cap extends above at least a portion of the open end portion of the elongate receptacle when coupled to the finger grip luer adapter.