Syringe Needle Shield with Radial Locking Tang
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical needle safety devices are inadequate for one-handed operation, often require two-handed manipulation, and can be cumbersome or prone to misfire, with high manufacturing costs due to complexity and numerous parts, failing to reliably shield needles during medical procedures and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A safety apparatus with a first and second member, where a shield is movable between exposed and covered positions, and a lock with radially outward tangs secures the shield in the covered position, allowing one-handed operation and easy assembly and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring activated or pivoting sheaths are used, then needle shielding function is provided, but the devices may misfire, be inadvertently activated, or be cumbersome to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed to be self-activating through the natural motion of needle withdrawal. The shield's distal end engages with the plunger's proximal end, and as the plunger is pulled back, it automatically drives the shield to cover the needle without requiring separate activation by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is pre-positioned in a retracted state during assembly, with its distal end aligned to be driven by the plunger. The geometric relationship between the shield's distal end and the plunger's proximal end is established beforehand, ensuring that when the plunger moves, it will automatically activate the shield at the appropriate moment.
2Reliability
If separate sheath or cap devices are used, then needle coverage is achieved, but two-handed manipulation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The shield function is merged with the existing plunger mechanism. Instead of using a separate sheath or cap that requires independent manipulation, the shield is integrated into the syringe assembly such that the plunger's motion directly activates the shield. This combines two functions (plunger operation and shield activation) into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield activates itself through the motion already being performed by the operator (pulling the plunger). The system uses the operator's existing action to automatically deploy the protective shield, eliminating the need for a separate second action that would require the other hand.
3Reliability
If complex safety mechanisms are used, then needle protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to complexity and number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger serves multiple functions: it maintains pressure on the plunger rod during injection and simultaneously acts as the activation mechanism for the shield during withdrawal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spring mechanisms, pivots, or other complex activation components, reducing part count while maintaining reliable shield deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a first member, such as, for example, a syringe barrel having a needle mounted therewith. A second member, such as, for example, a shield is mounted with the first member. The shield is movable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a second position whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the barrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radially outward to fix the shield in the second position.