Bidirectional Infusion Manifold for Sterile Syringe Refills
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infusion systems face challenges in efficiently delivering large volumes of medication without risking contamination and infection, particularly when multiple syringes or reservoirs are required, due to complex handling and sterility issues with syringe replacement and tip-to-tip transfer methods, and they lack versatility in accommodating various prefilled syringe sizes and concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A manifold system with multiple connection ports allows for seamless fluid transfer between primary and secondary delivery devices, maintaining sterility and reducing contamination risk by enabling bidirectional and unidirectional flow, accommodating various syringe sizes and types without disconnection from the ancillary device, and facilitating refill without breaking the sterile connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If syringe replacement or tip-to-tip transfer methods are used to deliver large volumes of medication, then the infusion volume can be increased, but the risk of contamination and infection increases due to repeated disconnections and complex handling
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold acts as an intermediary device between multiple syringes and the infusion system. It provides a central hub with multiple ports that allow syringes to be connected and disconnected from the manifold rather than directly from the infusion line. This intermediary structure enables fluid transfer between syringes while maintaining a closed sterile system, reducing contamination risk during volume transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold divides the infusion system into separate connection zones with multiple ports. Each syringe connects to a dedicated port on the manifold, allowing independent connection and disconnection without affecting other syringes or the main infusion line. This segmentation enables safe replacement and transfer operations while maintaining system sterility.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple syringes or reservoirs are used to deliver large volumes of medication, then the infusion capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual replacement and transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold combines multiple syringe connection ports and fluid pathways into a single integrated device. Instead of requiring separate connection operations for each syringe to the infusion line, the manifold merges all syringe connections into one central hub with standardized ports, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing handling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection hub for multiple syringes, a fluid transfer station, a pressure equalization chamber, and a sterile barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high infusion capacity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional infusion systems use standard connection methods, then the system is simple to operate, but it lacks versatility in accommodating various prefilled syringe sizes and types
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is designed with multiple standardized ports that can accommodate various syringe sizes, types, and connection standards. Each port can accept different syringe configurations, allowing the same manifold device to work with diverse prefilled syringes without requiring changes to the core system, thus maintaining operational simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold incorporates dynamic pressure equalization and flow control mechanisms that automatically adapt to different syringe configurations. When syringes of varying sizes or resistance are connected, the manifold's internal pressure dynamics automatically adjust to maintain proper flow rates, eliminating the need for manual calibration and preserving ease of operation across different syringe types.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system includes a primary delivery device, a secondary delivery device, an ancillary device, and a manifold. The manifold includes a primary connection port fluidly coupled with the primary delivery device. A delivery connection port in fluid communication with the primary connection port is fluidly coupled with the ancillary device. A secondary connection port fluidly coupled with the secondary delivery device is in fluid communication with the primary connection port. The primary connection port is operable to permit bidirectional flow so that fluid flows from the primary delivery device through the primary connection port and through the delivery connection port to the ancillary device, and from the secondary delivery device through the secondary connection port and through the primary connection port to be received by the primary delivery device.