Retractable Needle Safety Adapter Dual-End Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety devices for double-ended hypodermic needles are either expensive, ineffective, or pose risks of accidental needle punctures and microbial transmission, as they often leave one sharp end exposed during use and require costly disposal in sharps containers.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective, fully-integrated safety adapter device that retracts both sharp ends of a double-ended hypodermic needle into a tamper-proof, enclosed container upon user activation, using a mechanism with plastic disks and springs to ensure secure closure and prevent exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic retraction mechanisms are applied to dual-point hypodermic needles, then one sharp end can be retracted, but the proximal sharp end projects and creates injury potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both needle retraction functions into a single integrated mechanism. The spring-loaded plunger system simultaneously retracts both the distal and proximal sharp ends of the dual-point needle into the barrel, eliminating the problem where one end remains exposed after retraction of the other end.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is nested within the barrel structure, with both sharp ends capable of being retracted inside the barrel. The plunger mechanism is nested within the barrel and works to push both needle ends into the confined space of the barrel, achieving complete enclosure.
2Strength
If needles are screwed to the end of the barrel, then secure attachment is achieved, but retraction of the needle becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic plunger mechanism that can move longitudinally within the barrel. This dynamic element transfers force to push the needle assembly backward into the barrel, enabling retraction without requiring unscrewing or complex manual manipulation, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving secure attachment during use.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple and inexpensive retraction mechanisms are used, then cost is reduced, but effectiveness in guarding against accidental needle sticks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-actuating retraction mechanism using a spring-loaded plunger that automatically engages when the needle is inserted into the barrel. The system uses the insertion motion itself to compress the spring, which then automatically pushes the needle ends into the barrel, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manually operated retraction systems while maintaining high reliability.
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 device effectively prevents accidental needle punctures and microbial transmission by completely enclosing the needle, reducing disposal costs and maintaining safety without the need for special training, while allowing continued use of conventional blood sampling methods.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is contained within the barrel and biases the plunger in a direction to push the needle into the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device is presented for securely stowing a double sharp-ended needle. The device comprises a tubular adapter with a longitudinally-elongated channel. A needle holder is located in the channel to move from a distal orientation, in which one needle end projects from a distal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which both needle ends are enclosed within the adapter body. A top plate transitions from a distal orientation, in which the plate is distal from a proximal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which the top plate obstructs the proximal adapter opening. An actuator plate is attached to the adapter body to transition from a first position where the actuator plate retains the needle holder and top plate in distal orientations, and a second position where the needle holder and top plate move to proximal orientations.