Connection Device with Retractable Hollow Needle for Blood Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blood component separation apparatus poses a risk of accidental pricking or infection due to the use of hollow needles, which can lead to user injury.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a hollow needle that is initially accommodated within a second member, which can be elastically extended to expose the needle for use and then retract for safety, featuring a simple configuration with tapered inclines, projection pieces, and elastic pieces to facilitate safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hollow needle is used for plasma extraction, then the extraction function is achieved, but the risk of accidental pricking and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow needle is nested within the second member (protective sheath) during storage and transport. The needle tip is concealed inside the hollow space of the second member, and only when the second member is pushed in the insertion direction does the needle extend outward to perform plasma extraction. After use, the needle retracts back into the second member, eliminating the risk of accidental pricking.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow needle transitions from a static concealed state to a dynamic extended state during plasma extraction, and then returns to the concealed state after use. This dynamic configuration allows the needle to be exposed only when needed for function, while remaining hidden for safety during storage and transport phases.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the needle is concealed in the second member, then safety is improved, but the needle cannot be exposed for use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is pre-configured with the hollow needle concealed within the second member before use. The tapered incline surface and projection piece are pre-positioned so that when the second member is pushed in the insertion direction, the projection piece automatically engages with the tapered incline, causing the needle to extend outward without requiring additional manual manipulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex mechanism is added to retract the needle, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device uses self-service mechanics where the tapered incline surface and projection piece work together to automatically extend and retract the hollow needle. When the second member is pushed in the insertion direction, the projection piece engages with the tapered incline to extend the needle. When the second member is pulled back, the projection piece disengages and elastic force automatically retracts the needle, eliminating the need for additional motors, sensors, or complex control systems.
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
Prevents accidental pricking by ensuring the needle is not exposed until in use and safely retracts after use, reducing the risk of injury and infection.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic pieces extended from both side surfaces in the longitudinal direction toward the inside of the first member, and elastically supporting the second member
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To prevent a user from accidentally pricking the user with a hollow needle when separating blood components using a syringe and a connection device. [Solution] A blood component separation apparatus has three syringes and a connection device 14. The connection device 14 is attached to one syringe and is inserted into other syringes. The connection device 14 has a first member 40 to which a base end of a hollow needle 17 is joined and a second member 60 which is connected to the first member 40 in such a manner as to be able to move relative to the first member 40. The second member 60 is moved back and forth between a first position where a tip 18 of the hollow needle 17 is accommodated and a second position where the tip 18 of the hollow needle 17 is exposed. The second member 60 has elastic portions 63 which are elastically deformed in the movement from the first position to the second position. The elastically deformed elastic portions 63 elastically energize the second member 60 at the second position to the first position side with respect to the first member 40.