Winged Needle Connector with Hinge and Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing a winged needle set to a catheter assembly, such as using adhesive tape, are prone to skin irritation, time-consuming, and pose a risk of accidental needle stick due to potential removal of the winged needle set, which can lead to safety concerns for clinicians and patients.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a male luer lock with a tapered male discharge nozzle, a locking ring, and a hinge mechanism that secures the winged needle set by moving from an open to a closed position, preventing accidental removal and reducing bacterial contamination risks through a septum and flange design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the winged needle set to skin, then the needle set is held in place, but skin irritation occurs and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive tape from the skin surface and replaces it with a mechanical securing mechanism (clamp assembly) that attaches the winged needle set to the catheter hub. This extraction eliminates direct contact between adhesive and skin, removing the source of skin irritation while maintaining secure attachment through mechanical clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clamp assembly as an intermediary device between the winged needle set and the skin. Instead of directly adhering tape to skin, the clamp mechanically secures the needle set to the catheter hub, which is then connected to the patient's vein. This intermediary mechanism eliminates harmful adhesive-skin contact while achieving the same securing objective.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape is used to secure the winged needle set, then attachment is achieved, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-actuating through a ratchet mechanism that automatically engages when the clamp is closed. The user simply needs to close the clamp, and the ratchet automatically locks it in place, eliminating the need for complex fastening procedures or multiple adjustment steps. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces the time required for securement while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a dynamic ratchet mechanism that allows for quick engagement and adjustment. The ratchet enables the clamp to be rapidly closed and locked into position, providing a fast and efficient securement process compared to the slower application and adjustment of adhesive tape.
3Ease of operation
If the winged needle set is left uncured or loosely secured, then easy access is maintained, but accidental needle stick risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is pre-configured in an open state that allows easy insertion of the winged needle set into the catheter hub. Once the needle set is inserted, the clamp is closed and automatically locked via the ratchet mechanism, securing the needle set in place before any accidental removal can occur. This preliminary securement action eliminates the risk of loose or accidental needle set detachment while maintaining ease of initial access.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism in the clamp assembly provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the reverse motion that would lead to accidental needle set removal. The ratchet allows closing motion but mechanically blocks opening motion without user intervention, creating a one-way locking system that proactively prevents needle stick accidents by making accidental removal physically impossible.
4Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is integrated directly into the catheter hub structure, merging the securing mechanism with the existing connector body. The clamp, hinge, and ratchet components are combined into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the hub without requiring separate mounting structures. This merging approach provides robust securement functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp incorporates a flexible hinge joint that allows the clamp arms to move smoothly during closing and locking operations. This flexible hinge mechanism provides the necessary motion range for securement while maintaining a compact structure, reducing the overall complexity of the assembly compared to rigid multi-component mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A connector to secure a winged needle set to a catheter assembly may include a male luer lock. The male luer lock may include a tapered male discharge nozzle and a locking ring surrounding the tapered male discharge nozzle. The locking ring may be internally threaded. The connector may include a septum configured to prevent flow through the tapered male discharge nozzle. The connector may include an arm, which may include a first end, a second end, and a hinge portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end may be coupled to the male luer lock. In response to the hinge portion moving from an open position to a closed position, the arm may be configured to secure the winged needle set to the connector.