Closed Fluid Transfer System with Interlocking Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for transferring hazardous drugs between containers, such as syringes and vials, often lead to accidental exposure due to leakage or spills, posing risks to healthcare providers as drug molecules can escape through the stopper or during needle withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A closed fluid transfer system comprising a syringe adapter with a housing, collar, shuttle, and needle, along with adapters for connecting to vials and IV bags, which allows for secure fluid interconnection without leakage by using seals and a ratchet mechanism to maintain a closed system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional vial with stopper is used for drug storage and transfer, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but drug leakage and vapor phase escape occur during needle withdrawal, posing hazards to healthcare providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer device as an intermediary component between the syringe and vial. This device includes a shield that encloses the needle and a mechanism that maintains a closed system during fluid transfer, preventing drug leakage and vapor phase escape while preserving the simplicity of operation through standardized interfaces and automated shielding mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed fluid transfer system with shield and ratchet mechanism is used, then drug leakage and vapor phase escape are prevented, but the device complexity increases with multiple components including collar, shuttle, and biasing member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated transfer device. The shield, collar, shuttle, and biasing member work together as a unified mechanism that automatically shields the needle and maintains a closed system during fluid transfer, reducing the need for separate protective devices and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the collar to its initial position after fluid transfer, and the shield automatically encloses the needle when the collar rotates, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain safety and reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If the collar rotates to allow needle withdrawal, then fluid transfer is completed, but the increased pressure from injection may stress the seal or stopper and cause leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the biasing member to pre-position the collar in a way that compensates for the pressure stress that will occur during injection. The shield and collar mechanism are designed to maintain seal integrity even under increased pressure conditions, preventing leakage before it occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A closed fluid transfer system for fluidly interconnecting a syringe to any one of a patient I.V. set, a vial and an I.V. bag, is provided and includes a first adapter defining a lumen and supporting a seal across a first end of its lumen, the first adapter supporting a rear end of a needle within the lumen, wherein the seal is movable relative to the needle such that a tip of the needle penetrates through the seal; and a second adapter defining a lumen and supporting a seal across a first end of its lumen; wherein when the second adapter is coupled to the first adapter, the second adapter seal abuts the first adapter seal and moves the first adapter seal relative to the tip of the needle such that the tip of the needle penetrates through the abutting first adapter seal and second adapter seal.