A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAFE SYRINGE DISPOSAL

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safe syringe disposal system designed to prevent needle-stick injuries and improve safety in handling used syringes. This system features a tamper-resistant disposal unit with one-way entry, securely containing syringes immediately upon disposal to prevent retrieval or accidental contact. By ensuring syringes are fully contained and inaccessible, the invention minimizes injury risks for healthcare workers, waste management personnel, and the public. Its durable design and safety-focused mechanisms make it suitable for healthcare facilities, public areas, and other settings where syringes are used. This invention supports safer syringe waste management, promoting public health and environmental safety. (FIG. 2)

Specification

Description:Technical Field of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates to syringe needle safety. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for safe disposal and management of used syringes.
Background of the Invention
[2] Incorrectly disposing of medical needles and sharps such as hypodermic needles that are used for vaccines, insulin shots, and IV treatments presents a serious health hazard in various environments like healthcare institutions and households. The increasing use of said needles increases the chances of needle-stick injuries that can result in the spread of severe bloodborne illnesses like HIV and hepatitis. Moreover, a lack of knowledge on proper disposal methods and limited access to disposal facilities increases environmental dangers as incorrectly disposed needles can pose risks to both waste management employees and the public.
[3] Insufficient disposal practices for medical needles, especially those used for diabetes treatment and vaccinations, have caused an increase in needle-stick injuries and environmental pollution in numerous communities. The absence of designated sharps containers in accessible locations results in the improper disposal of these needles, often in regular trash or public spaces. This neglect puts the public at risk and hinders waste disposal efforts. Hence there is a need to establish a comprehensive needle disposal system to ensure safe disposal options of used syringe needles, reduce needle-stick injuries, and mitigates environmental risks caused by the used syringe needles.
Object of the invention
[4] A principal object of the invention is to enable a syringe disposal system to ensure safe and efficient disposal of used syringes to prevent needle-stick injuries and contamination.
[5] Another object of the invention is to provide a method to enable the syringe disposal system.
[6] Another object of the invention is to reduce environmental hazards associated with improper syringe disposal through accessible disposal solutions.
[7] These and other objects and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the further disclosure to be made in the detailed description given below.
Summary of the invention
[8] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[9] The present invention provides a syringe disposal system designed to prevent needle-stick injuries and enhance the safety of syringe disposal. This system ensures that used syringes are securely contained, reducing the risk of accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The invention includes a disposal unit that allows for one-way syringe entry, securely containing each syringe immediately after disposal to prevent retrieval or accidental contact.
[10] In some embodiments, the system addresses common issues in syringe disposal by incorporating a tamper-resistant design that prevents any access to disposed syringes. Features may include a self-locking entry and reinforced containment structure to ensure syringes are fully secured, preventing accidental injuries to both healthcare workers and waste management personnel.
[11] Embodiments of the invention may further include a method for enabling safe syringe disposal. This method involves placing used syringes into the disposal unit, where they are immediately secured within a restricted compartment to eliminate the risk of injury. This approach supports a safe, injury-free solution for syringe disposal, promoting public health and safety across healthcare facilities and other environments where syringes are used.
[12] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.
Brief Description of Drawings
[13] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[14] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention. Throughout the disclosure the system and the foot tracing system may interchangeably be used.
[15] FIG. 1 illustrates a generic block diagram of a syringe disposal system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[16] FIG. 2 illustrates a specific diagram of the syringe disposal system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[17] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart representing a method to enable the syringe disposal system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[18] FIG. 4 illustrates a bar graph comparing a plurality of disposal methods, according to one embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[19] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.
[20] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[21] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
[22] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon the present disclosure.
[23] As used in this application, the term "syringe disposal" refers to all of the following: (a) methods for the safe and secure disposal of used syringes, including sharps containers designed to prevent needle-stick injuries and (b) systems that incorporate features to enhance safety and compliance in syringe disposal, such as tamper-resistant designs and one-way entry mechanisms.
[24] This definition of "syringe disposal" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "syringe disposal" would also encompass systems that utilize specific components, such as secure disposal units, education materials for safe handling practices, and public health initiatives aimed at promoting proper syringe disposal methods.
[25] The word "public health safety" is used herein to mean measures taken to protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities, particularly in relation to the risks posed by improper syringe disposal. Any aspect described herein as "public health safety" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other safety measures.
[26] In this description, the term "medical waste" may include all types of waste generated in healthcare settings, including used syringes, contaminated materials, and any other sharps that pose a risk of injury. Additionally, "medical waste" refers to the regulations and procedures necessary for the safe handling, transport, and disposal of such waste to minimize health risks.
[27] The term "environmental safety" may refer to practices aimed at protecting the environment from hazards associated with improper waste disposal, such as the contamination of land and water sources. As used in this description, the terms "component," "system," and "module" are intended to refer to entities involved in the syringe disposal process, whether they are physical devices, instructional materials, or public awareness campaigns.
[28] In this description, the terms "disposal unit," "safety mechanism," and "disposal protocol" are used interchangeably to refer to the various systems and methods implemented to ensure the safe and effective disposal of used syringes. The implementation of these systems is critical for minimizing the risks associated with needle-stick injuries and promoting overall public health and safety.
[29] FIG. 1 illustrates a generic block diagram of a syringe disposal system 100, according to one embodiment of the invention. According to an example embodiment, the syringe disposal system includes a needle orientation unit 101, wherein the needle orientation unit is designed to grip the needle of a used syringe. The actuation control unit 103 enables a user to relocate the gripped needle in the needle orientation unit with the aid of a needle retraction unit 105.
[30] FIG. 2 illustrates a specific diagram of the syringe disposal system, according to one embodiment of the invention. According to an example embodiment, the syringe disposal system includes a syringe needle holding case 201, a spring 203, a retractable button 205, a needle anchor 207, and a track for needle anchor 209.
[31] According to an example embodiment, the syringe needle holding case 201 serves as the primary enclosure for the entire system. This case is hollow and provides sufficient space to accommodate the syringe needle during disposal. The design of the syringe needle holding case ensures that the needle is safely contained within a sealed environment to minimize the risk of exposure or accidental contact with the needle after it has been used.
[32] According to an example embodiment, the needle anchor 207 is responsible for gripping and securing the needle hub when the syringe is inserted. This anchor moves along the track for needle anchor 209, ensuring that the needle is properly guided into a secure disposal position. The track for the needle is an integral component that provides stability and precision to the movement of the needle anchor. It prevents any misalignment or improper placement of the needle, ensuring that the disposal process is both controlled and safe.
[33] According to an example embodiment, the retractable button 205 serves as the user's interface with internal mechanisms of the system. The retractable button is located externally on the holder box to allow the user to operate the needle anchor and move it along the track for needle anchor. It enables the user to apply controlled pressure to guide the needle into the syringe needle holding case without directly handling the needle.
[34] According to an example embodiment, the spring 203 is connected to the retractable button and is responsible for resetting the button to its original position after each use. The spring ensures that the system automatically prepares itself for the next operation. This feature helps maintain the durability and consistency of the syringe disposal system by ensuring that the retractable button always returns to its default state and is ready for repeated use.
[35] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart representing a method to enable the syringe disposal system, according to one embodiment of the invention. At step 301, the method includes positioning a used syringe with a needle on a needle anchor of a syringe disposal system. At step 303, the method includes pushing a retractable button attached to the needle anchor of the syringe disposal system at a first position. At step 305, the method includes guiding the needle anchor holding said needle of the used syringe from the first position to a second position using the retractable button via a track for needle anchor. At step 307, the method includes directing said needle from the second position to a syringe needle holder case of the syringe disposal system. At step 309, the method includes resetting the retractable button from the second position to the first position using a spring connecting the syringe needle holder case and the retractable button.
[36] According to an example embodiment, the syringe disposal system is a dependable solution for safely managing, containing, and disposing of used syringes. The design reduces the risk of accidental needle sticks by enclosing the needle in a protective housing after each use. The push-pull mechanism positions and secures the needle with minimal manual handling. A built-in spring automatically resets the device for the next use. This system streamlines the disposal process, minimizes needle exposure risk, and enhances safety measures in high-use syringe settings.
[37] According to an example embodiment, the designated measurements of the needle anchor-2 mm wide and 15 mm long-ensure accurate control and stability while guiding the needle into the syringe needle holding case. This precise sizing reduces needle wobble and guarantees consistent alignment along the track for the needle anchor, improving safe and accurate disposal. These specified anchor dimensions are crucial for secure retention of the needle within the system.
[38] According to an example embodiment, the needle anchor track, measuring 50 mm in length, provides adequate space for the needle anchor to entirely secure the needle inside the syringe needle holding case. This specific length avoids sudden halts or partial retraction, ensuring the needle attains a safe position. The 50 mm track length enhances linear needle motion, minimizing user exposure and guaranteeing safe containment during disposal.
[39] According to an example embodiment, the needle retraction unit features a spring with a spring constant of 5 N/m and consists of 16 coils, ensuring reliable force and longevity for the retractable button's retraction. The designated spring constant guarantees a gentle back to the starting position, while the 16 coils improve flexibility for ongoing usage. These parameters ensure dependable, automatic retraction of the retractable button, avoiding unintended needle re-extension and enhancing system safety and user comfort.
[40] FIG. 4 illustrates a bar graph comparing a plurality of disposal methods, according to one embodiment of the invention. According to an example embodiment, the bar graph presented herein illustrates a comparative analysis of the syringe disposal system 100 against established syringe disposal methods, specifically traditional sharps containers, mail-back programs, and supervised collection sites. The comparison is based on four critical parameters: needle-stick injury risk, environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness. The syringe disposal system 100 demonstrates significantly reduced needle-stick injury risk, attributed to its advanced safety mechanisms. Additionally, it has a notably lower environmental impact compared to other methods, due to its on-site neutralization capability, which minimizes transportation and processing. The system ensures high compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining superior cost-effectiveness by reducing associated fees and potential penalties. These combined features substantiate the syringe disposal system 100 as an innovative, safer, and more sustainable alternative for syringe disposal in comparison to existing practices.
[41] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A syringe disposal system 100 for safely enclosing a used syringe needle, comprising:
a) a syringe needle holding case 201, wherein the syringe needle holding case 201 includes a hollow space;
b) a needle orientation unit 101, wherein the needle orientation unit 101 includes a needle anchor 207 with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of 15 mm, wherein the needle anchor 207 externally extends on left side of the syringe needle holding case 201;
c) an actuation control unit 103, wherein the actuation control unit 103 includes a retractable button 205, wherein the retractable button 205 internally connects the needle anchor 207 and externally extends at a first position of the syringe disposal system 100;
d) a track for needle anchor 209, wherein the needle anchor 207 moves along said track, of 50 mm, for needle anchor 209; and
e) a needle retraction unit 105, wherein the needle retraction unit 105 includes a spring 203 with a spring constant of 5 n/m and 16 coils, wherein the spring 203 connects the syringe needle holding case 201 at a second position and the retractable button 205.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the needle anchor 207 guides a syringe needle along the track for needle anchor 209.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the retractable button 205 allows a user to manually relocate the needle anchor 207 based on the user's needs.
4. A method 300 for enabling the syringe disposal system, comprising:
a) positioning, a used syringe with a needle, on a needle anchor of a syringe disposal system 301;
b) pushing, a retractable button attached to the needle anchor of the syringe disposal system at a first position 303;
c) guiding, the needle anchor holding said needle of the used syringe, from the first position to a second position using the retractable button, via a track for needle anchor 305;
d) directing, said needle from the second position to a syringe needle holder case of the syringe disposal system 307; and
e) resetting, the retractable button from the second position to the first position, using a spring connecting the syringe needle holder case and the retractable button 309.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the spring 203 enables the retractable button 205 to automatically return from the second position to the first position.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the needle retraction unit 105 is adapted to operate in tandem to reduce manual handling and minimize exposure of the user to the syringe needle during extension and retraction processes.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the syringe needle holding case 201 is configured to fully enclose the needle anchor 207 and the syringe needle in a retracted position to enable safe handling, transport, and disposal of the syringe needle.

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