Vascular Access Device Locking Mechanism and Transparent Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access devices lack ease of use and safety, particularly in indicating blood vessel puncture and reducing accidental needle sticks during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A vascular access device featuring a needle and dilator with a locking mechanism that allows smooth movement and alignment, along with a transparent sheath to visually confirm blood flow, reducing resistance and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional vascular access device is used, then the procedure can be completed, but the device creates high resistance during needle and dilator movement and does not provide clear indication of blood vessel puncture
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a locked state (preventing needle movement relative to dilator) to an unlocked state (allowing smooth movement), dynamically adapting to different procedural phases. This resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation during insertion while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the needle and dilator, controlling their relative movement. It mediates the interaction by allowing movement in one direction (insertion) while preventing unwanted movement, thereby reducing resistance and improving ease of use without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a traditional vascular access device is used, then the procedure can be completed, but the device does not provide clear indication of blood vessel puncture and increases risk of accidental needle sticks
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent sheath provides visual feedback by allowing direct observation of blood flow, confirming successful vessel puncture. This feedback mechanism improves safety and reliability without requiring complex electronic or mechanical indicators, thus avoiding excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism converts the potential harm of accidental needle movement into a benefit by preventing such movement through the locked state. The very feature that restricts movement (locking) becomes the safety mechanism that prevents accidental needle sticks, transforming a limitation into a protective function.
3Ease of operation
If the needle and dilator are freely movable, then ease of insertion is improved, but resistance to movement increases and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states. During insertion, the unlocked state allows free movement with minimal resistance. Once positioned, the locked state prevents unwanted movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and resistance to movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be engaged or disengaged in advance of the desired action. Before insertion, the mechanism is unlocked to allow movement. After positioning, it is locked to prevent movement. This preliminary preparation eliminates resistance during insertion while maintaining stability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator disposed on and slideable along the elongated body of the needle and a medical article. The medical article is disposed on and slideable along the dilator. A track extends in a proximal direction from the dilator. The needle hub slides along at least a portion of the track between a first position and a second position. The device further includes a locking mechanism operably disposed between the track and the needle hub so as to inhibit further axial movement of the needle in the proximal direction when the needle hub is in the second position.