Barrier-Film Stopper With Aligned Slits for Sequential Syringe Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-chamber syringes face challenges in coating all surfaces that come into contact with fluids, leading to potential contamination and deterioration of medical fluids.
Innovation Solution
A stopper design for multi-chamber syringes featuring barrier films on both ends with aligned slits, allowing fluid flow only when a predetermined pressure is reached, ensuring sealed and protected fluid compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-chamber syringes are used without barrier coatings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the medical fluids are susceptible to contamination and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies barrier films (thin films) to the stopper surfaces that contact medical fluids. These films provide contamination protection while maintaining the simplicity of the stopper structure. The films are applied as separate layers rather than requiring complex integrated coatings throughout the entire device.
2Reliability
If barrier films are added to protect medical fluids, then fluid protection is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier films are pre-applied to the stopper surfaces before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures protection is in place before the stopper contacts the medical fluid, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by separating the coating application from the assembly process.
3Productivity
If slits are added to the barrier films for fluid flow, then fluid delivery function is improved, but the sealing capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier films have different properties in different locations: the majority of the film provides sealing, while localized slits or openings provide fluid flow paths. This local differentiation allows the film to simultaneously achieve both sealing and fluid delivery functions.
4Reliability
If multiple coating surfaces are required on the stopper, then fluid protection is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed with barrier films applied to specific surfaces (first end surface, second end surface, and peripheral surface) rather than requiring complete coverage of the entire stopper. This segmentation allows selective coating of only those surfaces that contact medical fluid, reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 design ensures effective sealing and protection of medical fluids, enabling sequential expulsion of fluids with a single continuous plunger stroke, reducing contamination risk and simplifying administration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first barrier film adhered to the first end surface of the body and a second barrier film adhered to the second end surface of the body
Implementation Method 2
at least one slit extending through the body for permitting fluid flow through the body of the stopper. The first barrier film and/or the second barrier film comprise slits or openings aligned with the slit extending through the body for permitting fluid flow through the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
A stopper for a multi-chamber syringe includes a body having a first end surface, a second end surface, a peripheral surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, and at least one slit extending through the body for permitting fluid flow through the body of the stopper. The stopper also includes a first barrier film adhered to the first end surface of the body and a second barrier film adhered to the second end surface of the body. The first barrier film and/or the second barrier film comprise slits or openings aligned with the slit extending through the body for permitting fluid flow through the stopper. A multi-chamber syringe including the stopper and a method of making the stopper are also provided herein.