Adapter Claw with Convex Slidable Portion for Vial Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adapters require a significant force to connect to vial bottles with larger aluminum caps, leading to potential drug leakage due to misalignment and increased friction during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
The adapter features a slidable portion with a smooth convex curve contour shape that allows the claw to move away from the male member with minimal force, reducing the required connection force and increasing the range of compatible vial bottle diameters by optimizing the slidable portion's design to enhance the efficiency of force application and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adapter is pressed with large force to connect to vial bottles with larger aluminum caps, then the connection is achieved, but the adapter inclines relative to the vial bottle causing drug leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable portion is designed with a smooth convex curve contour shape instead of a straight line. This curved geometry allows the claw to gradually move away from the male member during insertion, distributing the required force over a longer distance and reducing peak force requirements. The curvature ensures smooth engagement that maintains adapter alignment with the vial bottle, preventing inclination and drug leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The claw is designed to dynamically adjust its position during the connection process. The slidable portion enables the claw to move radially outward as the adapter is pressed toward the vial bottle, allowing the engagement to progress gradually rather than requiring all force to be applied at once. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal alignment throughout the connection sequence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is pressed with large force to connect to vial bottles with larger aluminum caps, then the connection is achieved, but friction increases making connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The smooth convex curve of the slidable portion reduces friction during the sliding motion. The curved geometry distributes contact pressure more evenly and allows smoother movement of the claw away from the male member, reducing the total force required to achieve connection with vial bottles of various sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the claw is designed to engage with flange of larger diameter, then compatibility with larger vial bottles is improved, but larger force is required to displace the claw
Solution Approach 1:
The curved contour of the slidable portion allows the claw to move along an arc-shaped path rather than a straight line. This geometric configuration reduces the displacement distance required for the claw to clear the aluminum cap edge, thereby reducing the force needed even when engaging with flanges of larger diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable portion's convex curve introduces a radial dimension to the claw's movement path. Instead of moving purely horizontally away from the male member, the claw follows a curved trajectory that combines radial and axial components, efficiently clearing the cap edge with reduced force requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables secure connection to vial bottles without applying a large force, minimizing the risk of drug leakage and accommodating a wider range of vial bottle sizes, ensuring reliable and efficient adapter attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is elastically deformable so that the claw can move away from the male member
Implementation Method 2
The slidable portion is configured to move the claw in a direction away from the male connector while the slidable portion slides on the female connector
Data Source
AI summary
An arm (20) that faces a male member (10) is provided with a claw (30) that protrudes toward the male member (10). An adapter (1) can be connected to a female connector with the male member being inserted into the female connector and the claw engaging with the female connector. The arm is elastically deformable so that the claw can move away from the male member. The claw includes a slidable portion (33a) that slides on the female connector during a process in which the adapter is connected to the female connector. The slidable portion moves the claw in a direction away from the male connector while the slidable portion slides on the female connector. A contour shape of the slidable portion seen in a direction that is orthogonal to a central axis (1a) that passes through the male member includes a smooth convex curve.