Universal Syringe Retractable Needle Contamination Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for infusion therapy either lack the functionality of a retractable needle or are limited to needle-based systems, failing to provide a versatile solution for both needle and needleless applications, and often do not adequately protect against contamination.
Innovation Solution
A syringe design that integrates a retractable needle assembly with a needleless connector, featuring a plunger assembly, retraction mechanism, and a protective guard, allowing for both needle-based and needleless operations, with the option to attach a needle assembly during manufacturing or at the use site, and includes a protective guard to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a syringe is designed with a retractable needle assembly, then needle safety and protection against contamination are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly is nested within the syringe barrel, allowing it to be retracted inside the barrel after use. This nesting arrangement protects the needle from contamination and accidental sticks while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle assembly is made movable relative to the syringe barrel, transitioning between an extended position for injection and a retracted position for safety. This dynamic configuration enables automatic needle retraction through spring mechanisms, improving safety without requiring complex manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a syringe is designed to accommodate both needle and needleless connectors, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is designed with a universal connector interface that can accommodate both needle assemblies and needleless connectors. This multi-functional design allows the same syringe body to be used across different administration scenarios, improving versatility while keeping the base structure simple and standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector interface is segmented into standardized components that can work with different attachment types. By separating the connector design from the specific needle or needleless components, the system achieves broad adaptability without requiring complex integrated designs for each variant.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective guard structure is added to prevent contamination, then protection against contamination is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective guard structure is merged with the syringe barrel as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This integration provides contamination protection while simplifying manufacturing, as the guard and barrel can be molded together in a single process, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to medical devices useful for infusion therapy and, more particularly, to a syringe that can be selectively used with a retractable needle or with frontal attachment devices such as luer hubs, valves or other connectors in needleless systems.