Dose Divider Syringe Frangible Seals Assembly Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe designs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,104,380 and 5,300,041, are complex to assemble, expensive to manufacture, and require detailed operating instructions due to their mechanical dose programming and latch mechanisms, making them difficult for users to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A syringe with a dose divider featuring a base with a flange and columns extending radially and longitudinally, where the columns include sacrificial portions connected by frangible links, allowing for adjustable length and tactile feedback during material delivery without the need for complex mechanisms or threaded connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical dose programming assembly with latch and spring mechanisms is used, then precise dose delivery is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical dose programming assembly, latch mechanisms, and spring systems from the syringe design. Instead, it uses a simple dose divider component with frangible seals that can be manually broken to pre-determine dose quantities, eliminating the need for complex mechanical programming while maintaining dose precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable frangible seals and dose dividers that are pre-configured for specific doses. These components are designed to be used once and then discarded, replacing expensive and complex reusable mechanical programming assemblies. The frangible seals are simple, cheap components that provide precise dose control through manual breaking rather than mechanical programming.
2Measurement precision
If threaded connections and mechanical programming assemblies are used, then dose control is achieved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes threaded connections and mechanical programming assemblies from the design. The dose divider component is instead attached through simple snap-fit or friction-fit mechanisms that do not require threading, significantly simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining the ability to pre-determine precise doses through the frangible seal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dose divider and frangible seal system is designed to be self-configuring. The frangible seals are pre-positioned at specific locations that automatically define dose quantities when broken, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures or programming steps. The system serves itself by using the physical act of breaking seals to automatically set the dose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex latch and spring mechanisms are used, then dose setting capability is achieved, but ease of operation and user understanding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex latch and spring mechanisms from the syringe design. Instead, it uses a simple manual breaking action to set doses. The frangible seals are designed to be broken by hand, providing an intuitive and easy-to-understand method for dose setting that does not require users to understand or manipulate complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical programming systems with a simpler manual breaking action. The frangible seals are designed to be broken by hand pressure or a simple breaking tool, substituting the need for latches, springs, and threaded adjustments with a direct, intuitive mechanical action that is easy for users to understand and perform.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frangible links and sacrificial portions are used, then dose divider adjustability is achieved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific frangible zones within the columns of the dose divider. These zones have reduced structural integrity by design (through thinner walls, embedded frangible links, or sacrificial portions), allowing controlled breaking at predetermined locations. The rest of the column structure maintains full strength to provide structural support and tactile feedback during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe includes a barrel having an internal surface defining an internal bore therein; a plunger having a distal end disposed within the internal bore of the barrel, and a proximal end disposed outside the internal bore of the barrel; and a dose divider configured to bear on the barrel in response to translation of the plunger relative to the barrel along the longitudinal direction. The dose divider includes a base including a flange that extends at least partly in a radial direction; and at least one column extending away from the base along the longitudinal direction. The at least one column includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the proximal end of the at least one column being coupled to the base. The at least one column includes a sacrificial portion coupled to a frangible link.