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Publication Number
US-11850409-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A medical needle includes a needle portion (10) having a needle tip on a distal end, a case (30) configured to be capable of accommodating the needle portion that can be exposed from the distal end side, a movement mechanism (50) for moving the needle portion inside the case, and a movement restricting portion (37) that restricts the needle tip accommodated in the case from moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the needle portion. The movement restricting portion maintains the needle tip accommodated in the case such that the needle tip can come into contact with an inner face of the case to restrict the movement of the needle tip in the opposite direction.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a medical needle including a case configured to expose a needle portion to a distal end side and to accommodate the needle portion. A movement mechanism moves the needle portion inside the case until the needle tip protruding from the case is accommodated in the case, and includes a fixation portion to which the needle portion is attached and an elastic member that energizes the fixation portion in a moving direction of the needle portion.
A movement restricting portion has an inclined plane inclined with respect to the moving direction and restricts the needle tip accommodated in the case from moving in a direction opposite to the moving direction. The movement restricting portion maintains the needle tip accommodated in the case so that the needle tip can come into contact with an inner face of the case, thereby restricting movement of the needle tip in the opposite direction. The movement mechanism includes a spring element provided in a direction crosswise to the moving direction and compressed in the crosswise direction by movement of the fixation portion on the inclined plane, such that the fixation portion is pressed against the inclined plane by a reaction force of the spring element.
In embodiments, the case includes a cover portion with a sloped concave inner face that inclines the needle tip toward a base inner face, together with operation portion convex features and engagement portions. A curved or warped portion is introduced to reduce impact and collision noise or a discomfort feeling. Further embodiments refine retention by engagement-only restriction or by adding a cover fitting portion with a sloped fitting face that gradually increases friction to reduce impact or collision noise even when using a strong repulsive spring, including variations where the sloped fitting face is arranged on the movement mechanism or on the needle end or fixation portion.
Claims Coverage
The claim set covers one inventive framework with three core inventive features, and dependent features that specify case and geometry variations.
Inclined-plane movement restricting portion for needle-tip reverse movement restriction
A movement restricting portion having an inclined plane inclined with respect to the moving direction and configured to restrict the needle tip accommodated in the case from moving in a direction opposite to the moving direction, while maintaining the needle tip in contact with an inner face of the case.
Fixation portion energized movement into case with accommodation of protruding needle tip
A movement mechanism configured to move the needle portion inside the case until the needle tip protruding from the case is accommodated in the case, including a fixation portion to which the needle portion is attached and an elastic member that energizes the fixation portion in a moving direction of the needle portion.
Crosswise spring element compressed by fixation portion movement on inclined plane
A spring element provided in a direction crosswise to the moving direction and compressed by movement of the fixation portion on the inclined plane, so that the fixation portion is pressed against the inclined plane by the reaction force of the spring element.
Case with base portion hole and cover portion for opening closure
A medical needle wherein the case includes a base portion with a hole portion and a cover portion configured to close an opposite opening.
Curved portion and sloped fitting face for pressing contact
A medical needle further including a curved or warped portion, and in some embodiments a cover fitting portion with a sloped fitting face that gradually increases friction, to press the fixation portion or needle tip against the inner face of the case.
Overall, the claims focus on restricting reverse movement of an accommodated needle tip by an inclined plane that maintains contact with an inner face of the case, together with fixation portion energization by an elastic member and a crosswise spring element compressed as the fixation portion moves on the inclined plane.
Stated Advantages
Reduces impact and collision noise.
Reduces discomfort feeling associated with impact and collision.
Reduces impact or collision noise even when using a strong repulsive spring.
Provides improved needle-tip retention by maintaining contact with an inner face of the case to restrict reverse movement.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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