Deformable Container Mixing Device for Buffered Anesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for buffering local anesthetics are wasteful, time-consuming, expensive, and prone to human error, as they require mixing sodium carbonate with local anesthetics in a non-standardized ratio, leading to potential cross-contamination and inefficient use of solutions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a tubular barrel with a plunger and a deformable container that houses a second solution, where the membrane separating the solutions can be ruptured to mix and deliver the solutions on demand, allowing for precise mixing and dispensing of buffered anesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If current manual mixing methods are used, then flexibility in preparation is maintained, but waste of solution and risk of cross-contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the anesthetic solution into separate compartments (first solution in barrel, second solution in container) that are mixed only when needed. This segmentation prevents waste by allowing precise dosing and eliminates cross-contamination risks by maintaining physical separation until the moment of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The solutions are prepared in advance in separate compartments with pre-measured quantities, eliminating the need for manual mixing at the time of administration. The mixing action is triggered automatically or on-demand, ensuring precise ratios without waste.
2Speed
If large vials of buffered anesthetic are prepared in advance, then immediate availability is achieved, but shelf life is reduced and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anesthetic is stored in segmented compartments separated by a membrane. The buffering agent (second solution) remains isolated until the moment of use, allowing the main anesthetic solution to be stored long-term without degradation from premature buffering. When needed, the membrane ruptures and mixing occurs instantly, providing both long shelf life and immediate availability.
Solution Approach 2:
A membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the anesthetic solution and the buffering agent. This membrane maintains separation during storage, preserving shelf life, and allows controlled interaction when needed, enabling immediate mixing without prior preparation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standardized mixing ratios are used, then flexibility in adjustment is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device is manufactured with pre-determined, precise ratios of anesthetic to buffering agent in separate compartments. This eliminates measurement errors during manual mixing while maintaining the ability to provide different standardized ratios through different device configurations or models.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing ratio is changed by selecting different device configurations or models with pre-set compartment sizes, rather than manually adjusting ratios. This provides both precision (through manufacturing accuracy) and adaptability (through available variations).
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
This method enables efficient, standardized, and cost-effective mixing and delivery of buffered anesthetics, reducing waste and the risk of cross-contamination while optimizing the shelf life of the solution.
Implementation Method 1
The container membrane wall can be ruptured in response to an increase in internal container pressure, thereby allowing first and second solutions to intermix
Implementation Method 2
The method comprises deforming the container of the disclosed device, wherein the deforming increases the internal pressure within the container internal compartment
Implementation Method 3
The deforming increases the internal pressure within the container internal compartment. The membrane is thereby ruptured, allowing the first and second solutions to be dispersed within the interior of the barrel compartment
Data Source
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device for dispensing a mixture of a first composition (e.g., an anesthetic) and a second composition (e.g., a diluent buffer, a second drug, or a solution). The device comprises a plunger that slidably engages with the interior of the device barrel at a first end. The second end of the device barrel includes a flexible container configured to house one or more solutions (e.g., sodium carbonate). The flexible container comprises a membrane positioned adjacent to the interior of the barrel. The flexible container can be manipulated by the user, rupturing the membrane. In this way, the first and second solutions are intermixed within the interior of the barrel, and can be administered to a patient.