Container Sealing Device Axial and Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for prefilled containers used in infusion pumps are not secure enough, as they can be contaminated during the crimping process and may not be properly aligned, leading to potential displacement and incorrect medication administration.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a septum, cap, and sleeve system that includes retaining and guiding mechanisms to secure the cap axially and rotationally, allowing for secure sealing without contamination, and ensuring the device is immobilized on the container, regardless of orientation, using radial teeth and projections for alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crimping sealing device is used to seal the container collar, then the sealing function is achieved, but particles are generated that contaminate the medicine
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful crimping operation is extracted and replaced by a push-in mechanism. The sealing device is removed from the traditional crimping function and reconfigured to push into the collar without generating particles, thus eliminating contamination while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harm of crimping (particle generation) is converted into a beneficial push-in sealing mechanism. The force that would normally cause harmful crimping is redirected to push the sealing device into the collar, creating a clean sealing action that maintains reliability without contamination.
2Reliability
If the sealing device is mounted on the container collar, then sealing is achieved, but the device may rotate or displace during medicine delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular cross-section and asymmetric ribs that engage with corresponding features on the container collar. This asymmetric design prevents rotation and ensures stable alignment during medicine delivery, while the overall structure maintains the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device is segmented into multiple functional elements: a sealing element for sealing, ribs for anti-rotation, and positioning features for alignment. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, ensuring both sealing reliability and alignment stability simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated sealing is used on assembly lines, then sealing consistency is improved, but the sealing device cannot accommodate different orientations of the collar
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is designed with universal features that allow it to function correctly regardless of the collar's orientation during automated sealing. The asymmetric ribs and positioning features are configured to engage with the collar from any rotational position, enabling the same sealing mechanism to handle multiple orientations consistently.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device incorporates dynamic adaptation capabilities through flexible sealing elements and movable positioning features that can adjust to different collar orientations. This allows the rigid automated sealing process to accommodate variable orientations while maintaining consistent sealing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing device for a container having an opening and an outer projection, including: a septum for closing said opening, a cap having a retainer capable of switching from a first position, in which the retainer does not limit the axial movement of said cap with respect to said container, to a second position, in which the retainer limits the axial movement of the cap, and a sleeve receiving said cap and movable axially with respect to said cap between a distal position, in which said sleeve does not exert a radial inward force on said retainer, and a proximal position, in which said sleeve exerts a radial inward force on said retainer. The sleeve includes a guiding element capable of cooperating directly or indirectly with said outer projection, so as to limit rotation of said sleeve.