Safety Needle Packaging with Premature Activation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative packaging systems that maintain sterility and prevent unintended activation of passive safety needles, which require rotation of a tether or housing for passive activation, while also addressing the inconveniences of the one-needle and two-needle techniques used in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A dual packaging system comprising a safety needle device with a tether and a retractable sleeve, where a premature activation prevention element, such as a rail with a protruding ledge, is used to prevent rotation of the needle within a compartment, ensuring it remains in a sealed region until intended for use, and includes a hard package with multiple compartments and removable seals to maintain sterility and prevent accidental activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive safety needle is packaged without a premature activation prevention element, then the needle can be easily accessed and used, but the needle may be accidentally activated during storage or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a premature activation prevention element that actively prevents accidental activation of the safety needle during storage and transport. The element physically blocks the activation mechanism, creating a counter-force against unintended activation until the point of intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the prevention element within the sealed compartment to ensure the needle cannot be accidentally activated before intended use. The element is already in place during packaging, eliminating the need for additional protective steps during storage.
2Productivity
If a single needle is used for both filling and injection (one-needle technique), then the workflow is simplified, but the needle may become contaminated between filling and injection
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system applies segmentation by providing two separate sterile needles within a single package - one optimized for filling and another for injection. This allows the practitioner to use each needle for its intended purpose without cross-contamination, while still maintaining workflow efficiency through unified packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system achieves multi-functionality by designing a single package that can support both the one-needle technique (by providing two needles in one package) and the two-needle technique (by providing separate filling and injection needles). This universal approach accommodates different practitioner preferences and clinical scenarios.
3Reliability
If two separate needles are packaged individually, then each needle maintains sterility, but the practitioner must manage multiple packages
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system merges two individually packaged needles into a single unified package with separate sealed compartments. Each needle maintains its own sterile barrier, but both are contained within one package, eliminating the need for practitioners to manage multiple separate packages while preserving sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses a nested structure where two separately sealed needle compartments are contained within an outer package. Each needle has its own protective seal, and both are nested within the same packaging system, providing both individual sterility protection and unified package management.
4Ease of operation
If the tether allows free rotation, then the needle can be easily manipulated, but the needle may rotate and activate the safety mechanism prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the prevention element to counteract any rotational movement of the tether that might occur during storage or handling. The element creates a physical barrier that prevents the tether from rotating enough to activate the safety mechanism until the point of intended use.
Data Source
AI summary
Single and dual packaging for fill needles and safety needles are described herein. Such packaging can include hard packaging or blister packs. Such packaging can include a premature activation prevention element disposed on an inner sidewall of a compartment of the packaging to nest within a recess of a tether of a safety needle device to prevent accidental activation of the safety needle device prior to use by the user.