Cartridge With Segmented Barrel For Dry Powder Reconstitution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reconstitution systems for medical products face challenges in introducing a dry component in a dry state due to the limited size of the distal end of cartridges and injectors, leading to potential product loss and contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

A medical injector assembly with a tubular body, flexible insert, and rigid retainer that allows for a larger diameter at the second end, enabling the dry component to be introduced in a dry state while maintaining a liquid-tight seal, and accommodating a medical needle assembly without reducing the diameter, thus preventing contamination and product loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the distal end of the cartridge is reduced in diameter to accommodate standard medical needle assemblies, then the device can be used with standard needles, but the ability to introduce dry powder in a dry state is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with standard medical needle assembliesVSAvoidability to introduce dry component in dry state

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is divided into two distinct sections: a proximal end with a larger diameter for introducing dry powder, and a distal end with a reduced diameter for accommodating standard medical needles. This segmentation allows each end to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different diameters are applied to different locations of the cartridge barrel. The proximal end has a larger diameter to facilitate dry powder introduction, while the distal end has a reduced diameter for needle compatibility. This local differentiation of geometric properties resolves the contradiction between the two opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the dry component is introduced through the distal end in liquid form, then the component can be introduced through the small opening, but liquid residue may leave along the barrel causing product loss and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to introduce dry component through distal endVSAvoidproduct loss and contamination from liquid residue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of introducing the dry component through the distal end (the small opening), the invention inverts the approach by introducing the dry component through the proximal end (the larger opening). This reversal eliminates the problem of liquid residue while still achieving component introduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distal end is reduced in diameter, then standard medical needle assemblies can be accommodated, but the stream of dry powder that can be transmitted is limited in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of standard medical needle assembliesVSAvoidsize of dry powder stream that can be transmitted

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge barrel is segmented into proximal and distal sections with different diameters. The proximal section provides a large opening for substantial dry powder introduction, while the distal section provides a small opening for needle accommodation. Both functions are simultaneously satisfied through this spatial segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge exhibits local variation in diameter: the proximal end has a larger diameter to transmit larger quantities of dry powder, while the distal end has a smaller diameter for needle compatibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between quantity transmission and needle accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2237819B1Cartridge for powder and liquid drug

Publication Date: 2013.09.18 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

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AI summary

A cartridge or injector (10) for holding and mixing a medical product is provided herein including a tubular body (16) having a cylindrical wall (26) having first (28) and second (30) opposing ends. The wall includes inner (34) and outer (36) surfaces with the inner surface having a generally constant cross-section along at least a drug mixing area. A first stopper (18) is slidably disposed within the wall between the first and second ends, the first stopper defining a liquid-light seal with the inner surface. A second stopper (20) is slidably disposed within the wall between the first stopper and the first end, the second stopper defining a liquid-tight seal with the inner surface. A flexible insert (22) is disposed at or in proximity to the second end, the insert forming a liquid-tight seal with the wall, the insert being pierceable by a medical needle or other piercing instrument. A rigid retainer (24) is fixed to the wall having an opening therein for providing access to the insert for piercing by a medical needle. The insert extends into the retainer and forms a liquid-tight seal across the opening.