Spring Clip Needle Guard Solid Lubricant Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring clip needle guards for catheters are made of metal and plastic, which can lead to the release of microscopic particles into the bloodstream, posing a health hazard, and generate uncomfortable scraping vibrations during needle withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A catheter instrument with a spring clip needle tip shielding device made of a rigid material coated with a solid lubricant, designed to securely shield the needle tip and reduce particle release and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal spring clip is used to shield the needle tip, then the needle tip is effectively protected, but microscopic plastic chips and metallic particles are released into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring clip from metal to plastic, matching the catheter hub material. This eliminates the harmful interaction between metal and plastic that generates particles, while maintaining the spring clip's protective function through careful design of its geometry and elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is made of the same plastic material as the catheter hub, creating material homogeneity. This eliminates the scraping and particle generation that occurs when dissimilar materials (metal spring clip against plastic hub) interact during needle withdrawal
2Reliability
If a metal spring clip is used to shield the needle tip, then the needle tip is effectively protected, but scraping vibrations are generated during needle withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring clip from metal to plastic, which fundamentally alters the friction and vibration characteristics during needle withdrawal. The plastic material provides smoother interaction with the plastic catheter hub, eliminating the uncomfortable scraping vibrations associated with metal-on-plastic friction
Solution Approach 2:
By making the spring clip from the same plastic material as the catheter hub, the patent creates homogeneous material interaction. This eliminates the dissimilar material friction that causes scraping vibrations, providing a quieter and more comfortable patient experience
3Reliability
If the spring clip is ejected from the catheter hub upon needle withdrawal, then the needle is fully protected, but particle release increases due to scraping against the hub walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring clip from metal to plastic, eliminating the source of particle generation during ejection. The plastic spring clip interacts smoothly with the plastic catheter hub walls during withdrawal and ejection, preventing the generation of microscopic particles that would contaminate the patient's bloodstream
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip and catheter hub are made of the same plastic material, creating material homogeneity throughout the ejection path. This eliminates the harmful friction and particle generation that occurs when metal spring clips scrape against plastic hub walls during the ejection process
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 shields the needle tip, reduces the risk of particle contamination, and minimizes uncomfortable vibrations during use, enhancing patient safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
said spring clip needle tip shielding device is of a rigid material, and at least a part thereof, in use coming in contact with walls of the interior cavity of the catheter hub, is coated with a solid lubricant
Implementation Method 2
at least one resilient arm extending at an attachment point at said base plate; wherein said at least one resilient arm has a resting state, from which it may be urged to yield free passage through said hole in an axial direction of said base plate in a tension state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A spring clip needle tip shielding device (100) for arrangement in a catheter hub of an intravenous catheter assembly (1000) is provided. The spring clip needle tip shielding device (100) comprises a base plate (101) with a hole (102) extending there through and at least one resilient arm (103) extending at an attachment point (104) at said base plate (101). The at least one resilient arm (103) has a resting state, from which it may be urged to yield free passage through said hole (102) in an axial direction of said base plate (101) in a tension state, said at least one resilient arm (103) being adapted for clamping a needle tip (304) of a needle (301) extending through said hole (102) when said resilient arm (103) is in said resting state. Any straight imaginary line extending longitudinally through said hole (102) in the axial direction of said base plate (101) coincides with said at least one resilient arm (103) when said resilient arm (103) is in said resting state (107) of said body. The spring clip needle tip shielding device (100) is of a rigid material, and at least a part thereof is coated with a solid lubricant (106). A catheter assembly (1000) including such shielding device is also provided.