Rigid Wing Safety Needle Stabilization and Lockout Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravenous needle assemblies face challenges with needlestick injuries and stabilization issues due to flexible wings, which do not optimize safe insertion and secure stabilization of the needle relative to the patient, and lack a mechanism to prevent reuse and maintain a low-profile design.
Innovation Solution
A safety needle with a rigid wing structure and a dorsal fin for stabilization, combined with a release mechanism and lockout structure to secure the needle within a housing, preventing reuse and minimizing the risk of needlestick injuries, while maintaining a low-profile design for ease of insertion and withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible wings are used to facilitate manipulation during insertion and withdrawal, then ease of operation is improved, but stabilization of the needle assembly relative to the patient deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into distinct functional components: flexible wings for manipulation and a rigid stabilizing member for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wings and rigid stabilizing member are combined into a single integrated assembly, allowing the device to simultaneously provide ease of manipulation and stable positioning relative to the patient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flexible wings are used to provide surface area for taping and stabilization, then stabilization is improved, but the ability to safely insert and secure the needle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is separated from the insertion function by using a dedicated rigid stabilizing member distinct from the flexible manipulation wings, ensuring reliable and safe insertion while maintaining stabilization capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the needle assembly is designed with extended components for stabilization, then stabilization is improved, but the profile of the needle relative to the stabilizing wing and skin surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing member is designed with specific geometric characteristics (longitudinal slot, fin structure) that provide stabilization functionality while maintaining a low profile against the patient's skin surface.
4Reliability
If a release mechanism is added to maintain needle in extended position and prevent reuse, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout structure is designed to automatically engage and maintain the needle in the extended position, and automatically lock the needle in the retracted position after use, eliminating the need for additional active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A manually retracted safety needle device is provided having a rigid wing structure to stabilize the safety needle against the body of a patient. The safety needle device includes an elongate housing having a hub movably mounted therein. A tissue penetrating needle extends distally from the hub and a fluid conveying tube extends proximally from the hub. The rigid wing structure extends substantially along the length of the elongate member and, in one embodiment, includes wings extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The safety needle is also provided with various finger gripping structures to facilitate manipulation of the safety needle device relative to the patient.