Drug Mixing Device Inversion for Gravity-Driven Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug mixing devices require skilled manual dexterity and are prone to errors, hazards, and wastage, with incomplete mixing and potential foaming or agglutination affecting clinical effectiveness, especially for drugs like Remicade that require immediate preparation before administration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a drug mixing device that establishes a fluid coupling with a drug administration device, inverting the assembly to facilitate gravitational flow of the mixed drug, using a Luer interface and exit transfer member to ensure complete transfer with minimal wastage, and incorporating a vent to relieve pressure, designed for ease of use and compatibility with conventional administration devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual drug mixing and transfer is performed using traditional methods, then the user can prepare the drug, but the process requires high skill level and is prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the system automatically performs the transfer function. The inverted configuration allows the mixed drug to flow automatically from the mixing chamber into the syringe without requiring skilled manual manipulation, making the device usable by practitioners with basic training.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is configured to be inverted during the transfer process. By inverting the assembly, gravity causes the mixed drug to flow automatically from the mixing chamber into the syringe, eliminating the need for complex manual transfer techniques and reducing user error.
2Productivity
If rapid drug administration is performed, then the treatment time is reduced, but the mixing may be incomplete and clinical effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary mixing action by vigorously agitating the drug components before transfer. The mixing chamber is designed to ensure complete mixing of the powdered drug with the diluent before the transfer process begins, so that even rapid administration delivers fully mixed medication.
Solution Approach 2:
Inversion of the device initiates automatic flow of the pre-mixed drug into the syringe. This eliminates the need for slow, careful manual transfer while maintaining complete mixing, as the mixing occurs before the inversion-triggered flow.
3Loss of substance
If complete transfer of mixed drug is achieved, then wastage is minimized, but the transfer process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Inverting the device simplifies the transfer mechanism by using gravity to drive the flow of mixed drug into the syringe. This straightforward mechanical action maximizes transfer efficiency and minimizes drug wastage without requiring complex pumps or valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The exit transfer member is designed to extend into the mixing chamber to maximize the amount of drug that can be transferred. By positioning the transfer member optimally, the device extracts nearly all of the mixed drug from the chamber, minimizing wastage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure build-up is prevented during transfer, then safety is improved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
A vent is provided in the mixing chamber to allow air to escape during the transfer process. This intermediary component prevents pressure build-up that could cause hazardous injection forces, while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
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 method ensures complete mixing and efficient transfer of the mixed drug with reduced user error, minimizing hazards and wastage, and is compatible with conventional drug administration devices, allowing for safe and quick administration without relying on skilled practitioners.
Implementation Method 1
inverting the assembly to position it in an inverted configuration such that the drug administration device is located below the drug mixing device; and causing a flow of the mixed drug from the drug mixing device to the drug administration device when the assembly is in the inverted configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of transferring a mixed drug from a drug mixing device in which drug has been mixed to a drug administration device id disclosed. The method comprises the steps of establishing a fluid coupling in an initial configuration between the drug mixing device and the drug administration device to create an assembly comprising the drug mixing device and drug administration device, wherein the drug administration device is located above the drug mixing device. The method includes the step of inverting the assembly to position it in an inverted configuration such that the drug administration device is located below the drug mixing device. The method includes the step of causing a flow of the mixed drug from the drug mixing device to the drug administration device when the assembly is in the inverted configuration. Also described is a drug mixing device comprising a container for holding a mixed drug and an exit transfer member fluidly connected to the container, the exit transfer member for transferring at least some of the mixed drug to a drug administration device. The exit transfer member is arranged such that fluid flow of the mixed drug between the drug mixing device and the drug administration device can occur only when the fluid transfer assembly is placed substantially in a specified orientation.