System and method for adjustable length needle
Inventors
Leung, Mina M. • Tillack, Jeff • Diaz, Stephen H.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11844937-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
An injection system includes a body member having a body connection member at a distal end thereof. The system also includes a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal end of the injection system body. The needle hub assembly includes a needle hub coupled to the body connection member, a needle coupled to the needle hub, and a spacer removably coupled to the needle hub. The spacer reduces an exposed length of the needle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an injection system that includes a body member having a body connection member at a distal end, and a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal end of the injection system body. The needle hub assembly includes a needle hub with a raised structure having a flattened surface, a needle coupled to the needle hub, and a spacer movably coupled to the needle hub. An actuator moves the spacer along a longitudinal axis so that moving the spacer modifies an exposed length of the needle.
A key aspect is an actuator configuration that includes a plurality of ratchet teeth on the flattened surface defining a plurality of discrete spaces, and a pawl coupled to the spacer. The pawl is configured to movably lodge in each of the discrete spaces, and moving the pawl along the longitudinal axis moves the spacer along the longitudinal axis. Pushing the pawl radially inward releases the spacer to move proximally or distally between the plurality of discrete spaces, while the pawl is biased to move radially outward to prevent movement of the spacer between the discrete spaces.
Moving the pawl from a distal most position to a proximal most position changes the system from a first exposed needle length to a second exposed needle length, where the first exposed needle length is shorter than the second exposed needle length. The disclosed examples describe adjustable needle exposure length that can be converted between a short/subcutaneous configuration and a long/intramuscular configuration, including spacer removal/rotation concepts, manually actuated ratchet-tooth/pawl indexing, and a rotatable spacer guided by a helical groove with detents or bump features.
The disclosed embodiments emphasize compatibility with conventional or safety syringes and contamination control using gaskets and O-rings at interfaces, together with reduced user error or needle-stick risk when selecting needle length before or after removing a rigid needle shield.
Claims Coverage
The document contains one independent claim (clm-00001). Its coverage centers on a needle hub with a raised flattened surface, ratchet teeth defining discrete spaces, and a longitudinal actuator using a pawl to move a spacer so the exposed needle length is changed between a shorter and a longer length.
Needle hub assembly with a raised structure having a flattened surface and a spacer movably coupled to the needle hub
An injection system with a body member and a needle hub assembly coupled to the distal end, where the needle hub comprises a raised structure having a flattened surface, a needle coupled to the needle hub, and a spacer movably coupled to the needle hub.
Longitudinal actuator modifying exposed needle length by moving the spacer
An actuator configured to move the spacer along a longitudinal axis of the injection system, wherein moving the spacer along the longitudinal axis modifies an exposed length of the needle.
Ratchet teeth and pawl actuator defining discrete spaces and permitting proximal/distal spacer movement
The actuator comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth on the flattened surface defining a plurality of discrete spaces, and a pawl coupled to the spacer, wherein the pawl is configured to movably lodge in each of the plurality of discrete spaces, and moving the pawl along the longitudinal axis moves the spacer along the longitudinal axis.
Radially inward release and radially outward bias to prevent spacer movement between discrete spaces
Pushing the pawl radially inward releases the spacer to move proximally or distally between the plurality of discrete spaces, wherein the pawl is biased to move radially outward such that the spacer is prevented from moving between the plurality of discrete spaces.
Exposed needle length change from a first shorter length to a second longer length
Moving the pawl from a distal most position to a proximal most position changes the system from a first exposed needle length to a second exposed needle length, wherein the first exposed needle length is shorter than the second exposed needle length.
Overall, claim coverage is directed to changing exposed needle length by moving a spacer along the injection system longitudinal axis using a ratchet-tooth/pawl arrangement that locates in discrete spaces, provides release via radially inward pawl motion, and prevents unintended movement via radially outward bias.
Stated Advantages
reduces user error/needle-stick risk when selecting needle length before or after removing a rigid needle shield
Documented Applications
Used with conventional or safety syringes while selecting or adjusting needle exposure length (e.g., short/subcutaneous configuration to long/intramuscular configuration)
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