Retractable Suture Needle Assembly with Spring-Loaded Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture needles pose a significant risk of accidental needle sticks to healthcare personnel, leading to potential transmission of blood-borne diseases due to their exposed nature during use and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A retractable suture needle assembly with a three-part casing and a mechanism that allows the needle to extend and retract using a compressible member and needle driver, protecting the user from accidental pricks by keeping the needle point retracted when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle is kept exposed for ease of use during suturing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental needle sticks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed to be dynamically movable between extended and retracted positions. A compressible member (spring) enables the needle to extend when force is applied during suturing and automatically retract when the force is released, allowing the needle to adapt its state based on operational needs rather than being fixed in one position
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the casing before use. The casing with its compressible member is prepared in advance to automatically extend the needle when needed, eliminating the need for manual extension and ensuring the needle is only exposed when intentionally activated by the user
2Ease of operation
If the needle is left exposed after use, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the harmful effects increase due to disposal risks
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic retraction mechanism is pre-configured in the casing so that when the needle is inserted back into the casing after use, the compressible member automatically pushes the needle into a retracted position. This preliminary setup ensures that the needle is protected during disposal without requiring additional manual actions from the user
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is designed to be self-protecting through the automatic retraction mechanism. When the needle is placed back in the casing, the spring-loaded system automatically retracts the needle without user intervention, making the device self-service in terms of safety protection during the disposal phase
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of accidental needle punctures, maintains ease of use similar to standard needles, and facilitates safer handling and disposal by ensuring the needle is protected when not in use, thereby minimizing the risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member in communication with the needle and configured to push the needle between an extended position and a retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for the protection of medical personnel from accidental suture needle sticks is described. The assembly includes a case containing a needle which can be retracted when not in use. The needle is extended and retracted through the engagement of a needle driver which compresses a compressible member. The compressible member exerts a force on the needle which in turn extends the needle's point beyond the casing so that the user can suture tissue. Disengaging the needle driver retracts the needle point which protects the user from accidentally receiving a needle prick from a contaminated needle between punctures.