Shielded Syringe Cap Holder for Safe Needle Recapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for removing and replacing syringe caps pose a risk of accidental needle sticks and bodily harm to operators due to insecure cap positioning, particularly when recapping needles.
Innovation Solution
A needle uncapping device that securely engages with the syringe cap, featuring multiple openings of varying sizes, a shielded top surface, and grip mechanisms to facilitate safe uncapping and recapping while minimizing hand exposure to the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is not securely positioned during needle exposure, then the operator can access the needle, but the risk of accidental needle stick and bodily harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the uncapping device body with opening and ledge) between the operator's hand and the needle cap. This intermediary securely holds the cap in place during the uncapping process, allowing needle access while preventing accidental needle sticks by mediating the interaction between hand and needle.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by securely positioning the cap in the opening before needle exposure occurs. The ledge and opening structure pre-establishes a safe cap position, ensuring that when the needle is exposed, the cap remains securely held, thereby preventing accidental needle sticks in advance.
2Productivity
If the operator attempts to forcibly remove a needle cap, then the cap can be removed, but the risk of accidental needle stick and bodily harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uncapping device serves as an intermediary tool that enables cap removal without direct hand contact with the needle. The device's opening and ledge structure allows the cap to be securely positioned and removed efficiently, while the device body acts as a barrier protecting the operator's hand from accidental needle sticks during the removal process.
3Ease of operation
If the operator's hand is exposed during recapping, then the operator can manipulate the syringe, but the hand is vulnerable to needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the uncapping device body) that shields the operator's hand during syringe manipulation. The top surface and ledge create a protective barrier between the hand and the needle, allowing safe manipulation of the syringe while minimizing hand exposure to potential needle sticks.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds a dimensional barrier (the top surface and ledge structure) between the operator's hand and the needle. This three-dimensional structure creates a protective zone that allows hand manipulation of the syringe while preventing direct contact with the needle, effectively adding a safety dimension to the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A needle uncapping device enables safe removal and replacement of a syringe cap by securely engaging with the cap positioned in an opening on a top surface of the device, allowing an operator to uncap or recap the syringe with reduced effort and risk of accidental needle stick. When a syringe cap is placed in an appropriately sized opening, and the operator pulls the syringe upward, a lip positioned above the opening holds the cap in place, allowing the operator to expose the needle. The top surface of the device is angled downward and protrudes outward from the device body to shield the operator’s hand, and a base of the body protrudes outward to provide additional stability.