Backstop Protrusions for Injection Device Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection devices face challenges in achieving effective sterilization due to occluded spaces between the backstop and syringe components, which can lead to incomplete sterilization and potential patient safety issues, particularly in ophthalmic applications where medicament sensitivity and regulatory requirements are critical.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a backstop with protrusions that engage the syringe barrel and flange to promote airflow and prevent occluded spaces, allowing for improved sterilization gas penetration and purging, and packaging that includes protrusions to minimize contact and facilitate sterilization gas flow during external sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a backstop is coupled with the syringe to improve grip and usability, then ergonomic design is improved, but occluded spaces are created between the backstop and syringe components that prevent effective sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is segmented with multiple protrusions (ridges) that create discrete contact points with the syringe barrel and flange, rather than a continuous contact surface. This segmentation allows sterilization gas to flow through the gaps between the protrusions and syringe components, eliminating occluded spaces while maintaining the grip function.
Solution Approach 2:
The backstop has different surface characteristics in different locations: the outer surface provides a smooth grip area, while the inner surface features localized protrusions that create controlled contact points. This local differentiation allows the backstop to simultaneously provide ergonomic grip and allow sterilization gas penetration.
2Ease of operation
If the backstop closely engages the syringe barrel and flange to improve grip, then usability is improved, but sterilization gas cannot penetrate occluded spaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface is segmented into discrete protrusions rather than a continuous contact area. This creates a pattern of contact points separated by gaps, allowing sterilization gas to flow through the gaps while maintaining adequate contact for grip and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions act as intermediary elements between the backstop and syringe components. They provide the necessary mechanical engagement for usability while simultaneously creating pathways for sterilization gas to pass through to sterilize the interface between the backstop and syringe.
3Stability of the object's composition
If packaging components contact the syringe to secure it during sterilization, then holding stability is improved, but occluded spaces are created that prevent complete sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging support walls include protrusions that create discrete contact points with the syringe barrel, rather than continuous contact. This segmentation maintains holding stability through the protrusion engagement while allowing sterilization gas to flow through the gaps to reach all surfaces including the packaging-syringe interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection device is provided, including a syringe having a barrel and a flange and a backstop configured to be coupled with the syringe adjacent to the flange. The backstop includes an inner surface generally extending around at least a portion of the syringe, wherein the inner surface includes at least one protrusion extending away from the inner surface and configured to engage the flange and/or the barrel to permit or promote airflow through a space between the inner surface and the syringe.