Enhanced Needle Shield Remover
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved needle shield remover that enhances safety, efficiency, and versatility in removing needle shields from medicament delivery devices.
Background and Problem Solved
The original needle shield remover patent, while effective, has limitations in accommodating various needle shield sizes, ensuring safe removal, and providing sterilization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an adjustable passageway diameter, safety mechanisms, and integrated sterilization capabilities.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced needle shield remover features an adjustable passageway diameter to accommodate different needle shield sizes, ensuring a secure fit and efficient removal. A safety mechanism prevents accidental needle exposure during the removal process. Additionally, an integrated sterilization chamber with a UV-C light source sterilizes the needle shield during removal, reducing the risk of contamination. The remover also includes a detachable needle shield containment compartment with a locking mechanism for secure transportation. Furthermore, an automated system can be implemented, comprising a reusable needle shield remover, a robotic arm for inserting the needle shield, and a sensor for detecting successful removal.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that enhance the original patent, including the adjustable passageway diameter, integrated sterilization, and automated removal capabilities. These innovations provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, offering improved safety, efficiency, and versatility.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced needle shield remover could include variations in the passageway design, sterilization methods, and automation systems. For example, the passageway could be designed with a flexible material or a modular structure to accommodate different needle shield sizes. The sterilization chamber could utilize alternative methods, such as heat or chemical sterilization. The automation system could be integrated with other medical devices or software to enhance its functionality.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced needle shield remover has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in the fields of diabetes management, vaccine administration, and pharmaceutical delivery. The device's improved safety, efficiency, and versatility make it an attractive solution for healthcare professionals, patients, and medical institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device design and needle safety systems, specifically focused on needle shield removal mechanisms for syringes and medicament delivery devices
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in safety mechanisms, mechanical design, and sterilization techniques, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core needle shield removal concept. The additional features like adjustable passageway, sterilization, and automated removal are logical improvements that address known limitations in existing needle shield removal technologies. These variations demonstrate incremental innovation using standard design techniques and readily available medical device engineering approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,772 |
|---|---|
| Title | Needle shield remover |
| Assignee(s) | Owen Mumford Limited |