Cross-Linked Silicone Tip Cover for Injection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tip covers for injection devices require a significant pull-out force for removal, which can be challenging for users with reduced strength but may also lead to unintentional removal during transport or storage, compromising container closure integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linked silicone coating is applied to the inner surface of the tip cover using a combination of silicone oils with different viscosities, reducing the pull-out force while maintaining sealing engagement and container closure integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tip cover is made to maintain strong sealing engagement with the syringe, then container closure integrity is improved, but the pull-out force increases making removal difficult for users with reduced strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cross-linked silicone coating to the inner surface of the tip cover, which changes the surface properties and reduces friction. This parameter change allows the tip cover to maintain sealing integrity while reducing the pull-out force by up to 35%, making it easier for users with reduced strength to remove the cap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the original tip cover material with a cross-linked silicone coating layer, creating a composite structure. The silicone coating layer has different friction and surface properties compared to the base material, enabling the composite to simultaneously provide strong sealing engagement and reduced pull-out force.
2Ease of operation
If the pull-out force is reduced to ease removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional removal during transport or storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-linked silicone coating changes the surface friction parameters of the tip cover. The cross-linking process creates a network structure that provides controlled friction characteristics, allowing easy removal when intended while preventing unintentional displacement during transport or storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip cover is designed as a disposable component with a specific surface treatment. The cross-linked silicone coating is applied specifically to the inner surface that contacts the syringe tip, providing a temporary but effective friction control during the intended use period without compromising the disposable nature of the component.
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 cross-linked silicone coating decreases the pull-out force by up to 35% without compromising biocompatibility or container closure integrity, ensuring the tip cover is not unintentionally removed and maintains sealing effectiveness over time.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-linked silicone coating decreases the pull-out force by up to 35% without compromising biocompatibility or container closure integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a tip cover for an injection device to reduce the pull out force of the tip cover. The method includes applying a quantity of a first silicone oil and a quantity of a second silicone oil to an inner surface of a tip cover, the inner surface configured to engage an outer surface of a tip of an injection device and treating the silicone oils to form a cross-linked silicone coating on the inner surface of the tip cover.