Fluid dispensing device
By designing a syringe that incorporates a bellows structure and multiple components, the problems of sealing leakage and contamination in traditional syringes are solved, enabling more efficient fluid delivery and storage management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480060931.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-25
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Traditional plunger-operated syringes are prone to malfunctions and contamination during filling, storage, transportation and use, and the storage and waste management of pre-filled syringes are inconvenient.
The syringe design employs a bellows structure, including components such as the end, column, pressable surface, base, and cap. By compressing the bellows structure, fluid delivery is controlled, reducing the risk of seal leakage and contamination, and optimizing storage and transportation volume.
It effectively avoids seal leakage and contamination, reduces packaging and storage space, reduces waste, and improves the controllability and safety of fluid transportation.
Smart Images
Figure CN121889182A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-reference to related applications
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 473,477, filed September 25, 2023, entitled “Fluid Dispensing Device,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to apparatus for storing, transporting and distributing fluids and methods of using them. Background Technology
[0003] Traditional plunger-operated syringes are widely used in medical, industrial, and other sectors for the controlled delivery or dispensing of fluids. Such devices typically include a cylinder containing the liquid, a plunger that moves within the cylinder to introduce or dispense fluid, and a stopper that restricts the plunger's movement within the cylinder. Despite their widespread use and seemingly simple operation, these syringes can still cause malfunctions or complications during filling, storage, transportation, and use. For example, one or more components may be insufficient to form a seal, leading to leakage of the fluid contents. Components of the syringe and / or the lubricant used in it may contaminate or introduce contaminants into the fluid contained within the cylinder. Prefilled syringes may have larger packaging and storage requirements to accommodate extended plungers of a certain length, which also increases the amount of waste generated after syringe use. This disclosure provides a device and method of use that overcomes these disadvantages. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising: a bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the apparatus; an end adjacent to the first end defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; and a flange adjacent to the first end, the flange defining a width greater than the width of the bellows structure. The flange may include one or more tactile elements. The apparatus may include a post disposed within the cavity, adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure, wherein, when the bellows structure is compressed, the post may optionally be at least partially disposed within the channel of the end. The apparatus may include a base adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure, the base being wider than the width of the bellows structure. The base may include a plurality of tactile elements thereon. The apparatus may include a cap releasably engaging with the end. The cap may include a protrusion capable of being positioned within the channel of the end and / or attached to the flange via a movable hinge. The device may include a threaded interface adjacent to an end. The threaded interface may include a wall surrounding the end, wherein the wall defines a plurality of threads on its inner surface. The device may include a cap capable of releasably engaging with the threaded interface.
[0005] A syringe is disclosed, comprising: a bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the syringe; an end adjacent to the first end, defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; a threaded interface adjacent to the end; and a post disposed within the cavity, adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure. The syringe may include a pressable surface extending laterally from the bellows structure, wherein the pressable surface is positioned adjacent to the first end of the bellows structure. The width defined by the pressable surface may be greater than the width of the bellows structure. When the bellows structure is compressed, the post may be at least partially disposed within the channel of the end. The syringe may include a cap releasably engaging with the end. The threaded interface may include a wall surrounding the end, wherein the wall defines a plurality of threads on its inner surface.
[0006] A syringe is disclosed, comprising: a bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the syringe; an end adjacent to the first end defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; a post coaxial with the channel and disposed within the cavity adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure; a laterally extending flange adjacent to the first end of the bellows structure, the flange defining a width greater than the width of the bellows structure; an adapter adjacent to the end defining a wall and a threaded interface on an inner surface of the wall; and a cap releasably engaging with the end. Attached Figure Description
[0007] A more complete understanding of this disclosure and its related advantages and features will be more readily obtained by referring to the following specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an example of a device for distributing fluid constructed in accordance with the principles of this disclosure; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another isometric view of the device for distributing fluid shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A first side view of the device for dispensing fluid shown; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A second side view of the device for dispensing fluid shown; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the device for distributing fluid shown in its deployed state; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the device for distributing fluid shown in the figure when it is in a compressed state; Figure 7 This is a first side view of another example of a device for dispensing fluid constructed according to the principles of this disclosure; and Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The second side view of the device for dispensing fluid shown. Detailed Implementation
[0008] This disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing fluids and a method of using the same. Such fluids may include biological compounds, pharmaceutical compounds, or other therapeutic or medical compounds used in therapeutic settings, and / or may include industrial or other commercial compounds as needed. Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, an example of an apparatus 10 for dispensing fluids is shown. Figures 1 to 8As shown in the image.
[0009] Device 10 can typically be, for example, a syringe, injector, dispenser, or another instrument operable to controllably deliver fluids or compounds. The device may include or define a bellows structure 12 extending along its length. The bellows structure 12 may include or define an accordion-like structure having multiple pleated or folded sections operable to unfold and compress. The bellows structure may form a first or distal end 14, a second or proximal end 16, and a cavity 18 located within the bellows structure, the cavity 18 being disposed between the first and second ends. Device 10 may define a total height H1 and a width W1, and the bellows structure 12 may be integrated into or otherwise formed as part of device 10 such that unfolding and compressing the bellows structure 12 alters the height H1 of the device, such as… Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the comparison, the volumetric capacity and compressibility of the bellows structure 12 can be modified or selected, at least in part, by the number of folded segments of the bellows structure 12 and by the stiffness or thickness of the material constituting the bellows structure 12. In one example, the individual folded segments can be compressed to come into direct contact with each other along the diameter of the bellows structure in order to minimize the space therein when compressed.
[0010] The device 10 may include an end or nozzle 20 attached to and / or adjacent to a first end 14 of the bellows structure 12. The end 20 may define or include a channel 22 in fluid communication with the cavity 18 and is thus operable to transfer fluid into and out of the cavity 18.
[0011] The device 10 may include a column 24 disposed within the cavity 18. The size and shape of the column 24 may be designed to reduce the volumetric capacity or 'dead space' within the bellows structure 12 when it is compressed, thereby reducing the amount of fluid remaining in the cavity 18 under compression. The column 24 may be positioned and / or attached adjacent to the second end 16 of the bellows structure 12 and may have a conical, truncated conical, rectangular, cylindrical, or other geometric profile.
[0012] The column 24 may be coaxially aligned with the end 20 and / or the channel 22, and the column 24 may define a height H2 of sufficient size such that when the bellows structure 12 is in a compressed state, at least a portion of the column 24 is disposed in or adjacent to the channel 22 of the end 20.
[0013] Device 10 may include or define a pressable surface 26, which is attached to or integrated into device 10 to enable or facilitate manual operation of device 10. For example, pressable surface 26 may include one or more flanges, rims, wings, protrusions, or rings, etc., which provide a gripping area or surface for the user's fingers during compression of the bellows structure 12 as described herein. Pressable surface 26 may define a width W2 greater than the width W1 of bellows structure 12 (as used herein, widths W1, W2, etc., are relative lateral width measurements in a single plane, such as...). Figure 4 (As shown). The pressable surface may be attached to or otherwise positioned adjacent to the first end 14 of the bellows structure 12, or alternatively may be located at one or more other locations along the height of the device 10. One or more tactile elements 28 may be positioned on or integrated with the pressable surface 26 to enhance or improve the user's grip on the device 10. For example, one or more tactile elements 28 may include one or more ridges, ribs, grooves, or protrusions to reduce the likelihood of slippage during use.
[0014] Device 10 may include one or more features that enable it to engage with another device or apparatus for receiving or delivering fluid. For example, device 10 may include an adapter 30 attached to or integrated into device 10 adjacent to end 20. Adapter 30 may include or define a wall 32 surrounding or otherwise adjacent to end 20, wherein the wall 32 has one or more threaded interfaces 34. In the illustrated example, the threaded interfaces 34 are located on the inner surface of the wall 32; however, alternative examples may include external threads, one or more press-fit features, or other releasably engaging interconnections.
[0015] Device 10 may include or define a base 36 attached to or integrated with the second end 16 of the bellows structure 12 at or near the second end 16. Base 36 may include or define a surface facilitating manual compression or unfolding of the bellows structure 12, and / or provide a surface of sufficient size for stacking or storing one or more devices 10 in an upright position. Base 36 may define a width W3 greater than the width W1 of the bellows structure. Base 36 may also include one or more tactile elements 38 located on or integrated with the base 36, which enhance or improve the user's grip on the device 10. For example, the one or more tactile elements 38 may include one or more ridges, ribs, grooves, or protrusions to reduce the likelihood of slippage during use.
[0016] Device 10 may include a cap 40 capable of releasably engaging with end 20 and / or channel 22 to prevent or allow fluid flow therethrough. Cap 40 may be attached to device 10 via a hinge or other tethering mechanism. In the illustrated example, cap 40 is connected to pressable surface 26. Cap 40 may define or include features that mate with end 20, channel 22, and / or adapter 30. For example, cap 40 may define a wall 42 positionable between wall 32 of adapter 30 and outer surface of end 20, and / or may include a protrusion 44 positionable in channel 22 to substantially seal channel 22 and thus seal cavity 18. Cap 40 may form a press fit with end 20 and / or adapter 30, such as… Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, or alternatively, the cap 40 has a threaded surface 46 to engage with the threaded interface 34 of the adapter 30, thereby closing or sealing the device 10, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown.
[0017] In an exemplary method of use, the device 10 may first be pre-filled with fluid for subsequent delivery. For example, the device 10 may be manufactured and supplied with the bellows structure 12 in a compressed state. Fluid may then be introduced into the channel 22 of the end 20, and an axial force may be applied to the base 36 or other parts of the device 10 to expand the bellows structure 12 for continued filling. Once the fluid in the cavity 18 reaches the desired fill level, the end 20 and / or the channel 22 may be sealed with a cap 40. The device may then be stored, transported, or otherwise protected until use. Using the device 10 may include removing the cap 40 and engaging the base 36 and / or the pressable surface 26 to compress the bellows structure 12, thereby moving fluid from the cavity 18 into the channel 22 and out of the device 10. Fluid dispensing may be performed via a needle hub, delivery line, or other fluid conduit (not shown) connected to the device 10 via an adapter 30.
[0018] These devices, features, and methods of use offer numerous additional advantages over conventional fluid delivery devices, particularly plunger-tube syringes, including avoiding leakage due to damage or inadequate sealing between the plunger and syringe barrel, and preventing contamination of the fluid contents by lubricants or other chemicals from the plunger, plug, or barrel. The devices disclosed herein also reduce packaging and storage size by avoiding the need to accommodate the elongated plunger length extending from the pre-filled barrel, and also reduce waste generated after use.
[0019] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all figures are not drawn to scale. It is important to note that in the figures, system components have been indicated by conventional symbols where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding embodiments of this disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon which the description herein is given. Moreover, while some embodiments or figures described herein may show features not explicitly indicated in other figures or embodiments, it should be understood that the features and components of the examples disclosed herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be included in various different combinations or configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Various modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A device for distributing fluid, comprising: A bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity located within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the device; An end, said end being adjacent to the first end, said end defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; and A flange, adjacent to the first end, the flange defining a width greater than the width of the bellows structure.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The flange includes one or more tactile elements.
3. The device according to claim 1 further includes a column disposed in the cavity adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, When the bellows structure is compressed, the column is at least partially disposed in the channel at the end.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further includes a base adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure, the width of the base being greater than the width of the bellows structure.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The base includes multiple tactile elements thereon.
7. The device of claim 1 further includes a cap that can be releasably engaged with the end.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The cap includes a protrusion that can be positioned within the channel at the end.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The cap is attached to the flange via a movable hinge.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a threaded interface adjacent to the end.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The threaded interface includes a wall surrounding the end, the wall defining a plurality of threads on its inner surface.
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a cap capable of releasably engaging the threaded interface.
13. A syringe, comprising: A bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity located within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the syringe; An end, the end being adjacent to the first end, the end defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; A threaded interface, the threaded interface being adjacent to the end; and A column is disposed in the cavity, adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure.
14. The syringe of claim 13, further comprising a pressable surface extending laterally from the bellows structure.
15. The syringe according to claim 14, wherein, The pressable surface is positioned adjacent to the first end of the bellows structure.
16. The syringe according to claim 14, wherein, The width defined by the pressable surface is greater than the width of the bellows structure.
17. The syringe according to claim 13, wherein, When the bellows structure is compressed, the column is at least partially disposed in the channel at the end.
18. The syringe of claim 13, further comprising a cap releasably engaging with the end.
19. The syringe according to claim 13, wherein, The threaded interface includes a wall surrounding the end, the wall defining a plurality of threads on its inner surface.
20. A syringe, comprising: A bellows structure defining a first end, a second end, and a cavity located within the bellows structure, wherein compressing the bellows structure reduces the height of the syringe; An end, the end being adjacent to the first end, the end defining a channel in fluid communication with the cavity; A column, which is coaxial with the channel and is disposed in the cavity, adjacent to the second end of the bellows structure; A laterally extending flange, the flange being adjacent to the first end of the bellows structure, the flange defining a width greater than the width of the bellows structure; An adapter, adjacent to the end, the adapter defining a wall and a threaded interface located on the inner surface of the wall; and A cap that can be releasably engaged with the end.