Ribbed Needle Shield Grip for Reduced-Dexterity Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle shield/guard devices are difficult for individuals with reduced finger dexterity or sensitivity, such as those with osteoarthritis, to securely grasp due to their small size and cylindrical shape.
Innovation Solution
A needle guard grip device with a body featuring alternating convex and concave ribs and a retainer clip, designed to securely hold the needle shield, facilitating ergonomic handling and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle shield is made small and cylindrical to cover the needle tip, then it effectively protects against needle sticks, but it becomes difficult for persons with reduced finger dexterity to grasp securely
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a cylindrical shield portion for needle protection and a grip body with ribs for enhanced handling. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds dimensional complexity by incorporating ribs that extend in multiple directions from the cylindrical shield, transforming it from a simple 2D cylindrical surface into a 3D structure with enhanced grip surfaces that protrude outward for finger engagement.
2Ease of manufacture
If a needle shield is made with a simple cylindrical shape, then it is easy to manufacture, but it provides poor grip for users with reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the manufacturing of the cylindrical shield and the grip body with ribs into distinct components that can be manufactured using standard processes, then assembled together. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding grip-enhancing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical shield is nested within or integrated with the grip body structure, allowing the simpler cylindrical component to be manufactured separately and then combined with the ribbed grip portion, maintaining ease of manufacture for each component while achieving enhanced grip functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle guard grip device may include a body extending from a first end to a second end along a central longitudinal axis of the body. The body may include a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis. The plurality of ribs may include a first set of longitudinally spaced ribs disposed on a first side of the central longitudinal axis, and a second set of longitudinally spaced ribs disposed on a second side of the central longitudinal axis that is opposite of the first side. Moving along the central longitudinal axis, ribs of the first set of longitudinally spaced ribs may alternate with ribs of the second set of longitudinally spaced ribs.