Varying Caliber Injection Needle for Sinus Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection needles face challenges in balancing rigidity for precise guidance and flexibility for tissue penetration, particularly in accessing hard-to-reach areas like sinuses, where larger diameter needles cause more pain and tissue damage, while smaller flexible needles are prone to breakage and lack stiffness.
Innovation Solution
An injection needle design featuring a first portion with a larger diameter for rigidity and a second portion with a smaller diameter for flexibility, where the second portion is crimped or bent to a unitary construction within the first portion, allowing for a curved shaft and enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large diameter injection needle is used, then precision administration is improved, but tissue damage and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The injection needle is divided into multiple sections with different diameters. The proximal section has a larger diameter for rigidity and guidance, while the distal section has a smaller diameter for reduced tissue damage. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the needle have different local properties - the proximal portion is designed with larger diameter for structural support and precision guidance, while the distal portion is designed with smaller diameter for gentle tissue penetration. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between precision and tissue damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a small diameter injection needle is used, then tissue damage is reduced, but flexibility increases causing difficulty in precise administration
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into a flexible distal section for tissue penetration and a rigid proximal section for precise guidance. This segmentation allows the distal end to be flexible and gentle on tissue while the proximal end maintains stiffness for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle exhibits local quality variation along its length, with the distal portion having smaller diameter for flexibility and reduced tissue damage, while the proximal portion has larger diameter for rigidity and precise administration control.
3Ease of operation
If a small diameter needle is used for sinus access, then maneuverability is improved, but stiffness and resistance to breakage decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into a thick-walled proximal section for strength and a thin-walled distal section for maneuverability. The proximal section's larger diameter provides structural integrity and resistance to breakage, while the distal section's smaller diameter enables flexibility for navigating sinus passages.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections have different local structural qualities - the proximal portion is designed with larger diameter and thicker walls for strength and breakage resistance, while the distal portion is designed with smaller diameter for enhanced maneuverability in confined sinus spaces.
4Measurement precision
If a rigid needle is used for guidance, then precision is improved, but flexibility for tissue penetration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into a rigid proximal section for precise guidance through anatomical pathways and a flexible distal section for adaptive tissue penetration. This segmentation allows the proximal end to maintain rigid control while the distal end adapts to tissue variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle exhibits local quality differentiation where the proximal portion is designed with larger diameter for rigidity and guidance precision, while the distal portion is designed with smaller diameter for flexibility and adaptability during tissue penetration.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection needle includes a first needle portion defining a first outer diameter, a second needle portion defining a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first outer diameter, the second needle portion having a tip configured to penetrate a soft tissue. Importantly, the first end of the second needle portion is positioned substantially inside and coupled to an inner surface of the first needle portion adjacent an angled section that is positioned adjacent a distal end of the first needle portion. In addition, the first and second needle portions may be crimped or pinched together into a unitary construction that still allows a pharmaceutical to pass therethrough.