Anesthetic Syringe with Multi-Needle Cartridge for Broad Tissue Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental syringe assemblies for injecting local anesthetics require sterilization after each use, are complex to assemble, and do not efficiently distribute anesthetic over a broad tissue area, potentially causing discomfort and anxiety in patients.
Innovation Solution
A syringe assembly with a cartridge receiver and plunger rod system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, includes a needle design with multiple openings or fibers for broad tissue coverage, and features like elastomeric seals and thumb rings for user comfort and reduced intimidation, along with a needle guard for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional re-usable metallic syringe assembly is used, then the syringe can be sterilized and reused, but the assembly requires complex sterilization procedures and assembly/disassembly steps after each use
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe assembly is divided into distinct modular components: a reusable syringe body and a disposable cartridge assembly. The cartridge can be easily attached and detached from the syringe body, allowing the syringe to be reused while the cartridge is discarded after single use. This segmentation eliminates complex sterilization procedures for the entire assembly and simplifies the assembly/disassembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable cartridge that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for sterilization and complex assembly procedures. The cartridge contains the anesthetic solution and is pre-filled, allowing the reusable syringe body to be used multiple times without extensive cleaning or sterilization between uses.
2Area of stationary object
If a conventional single-needle design is used, then the needle structure is simple, but the anesthetic distribution is limited to a narrow tissue area
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly is segmented into multiple individual needles arranged in a pattern, rather than using a single needle. This allows the anesthetic solution to be distributed across multiple tissue sites simultaneously, expanding the effective treatment area while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be integrated into the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle configuration transitions from a single-point injection (zero-dimensional) to a multi-point distributed array (two-dimensional coverage). This dimensional change allows broad tissue area coverage while the needles themselves remain simple structural elements arranged in a predetermined pattern on the cartridge.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional cartridge loading procedure is used, then the cartridge can be loaded into the syringe, but the procedure requires multiple steps including alcohol wiping, diaphragm insertion, and plunger engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge design merges the diaphragm, anesthetic solution container, and plunger mechanism into a single pre-assembled unit. This integrated cartridge can be loaded into the syringe body as one component, eliminating the need for separate steps of alcohol wiping, diaphragm insertion, and plunger engagement that were required with conventional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-filled with the anesthetic solution and pre-assembled with the plunger and diaphragm in the correct configuration before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly steps in the clinical setting, allowing for rapid loading into the syringe body and immediate use.
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
The syringe assembly simplifies the injection process, reduces the need for frequent sterilization, and provides more efficient and comfortable anesthetic distribution over a broader tissue area, minimizing patient discomfort and anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
an access needle extending into the interior space of the cartridge receiver for puncturing the diaphragm of the cartridge received in the interior space to access medicine. The access needle directs fluid to the barrel outlet when the cartridge receiver is received in the hollow interior of the barrel
Implementation Method 2
a plunger rod movable into the interior space of the cartridge receiver for engaging the piston of the cartridge received in the receiver to selectively force medicine in the cartridge through the access needle
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A syringe assembly (30) for dispensing medicine from a cartridge having a diaphragm and a piston opposite the diaphragm. The assembly includes a barrel (32) having a hollow interior, an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and an outlet (42). The assembly also includes a cartridge receiver (50) slidably receivable in the hollow interior of the barrel. The receiver includes an interior space for receiving the cartridge, an access needle (58) extending into the interior space for puncturing the diaphragm of the cartridge. The access needle directs fluid to the barrel outlet. The cartridge receiver includes a plunger rod (80) movable into the interior space of the cartridge receiver (50) for engaging the piston of the cartridge to selectively force medicine in the cartridge through the access needle.