Dual-Chamber Fluid Transfer Device for Sterile Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the medical field, transferring fluid from one container to another while maintaining sterility is challenging, especially when the receiving container is already filled, as it requires preventing the plunger of a syringe from entering a non-sterile area, and acidic fluids used for painless procedures need neutralization.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device that allows partial discharge of a first liquid into a storage portion, enabling mixing with a diluent within a syringe, which is then aspirated back, ensuring sterility and neutralization of acidic fluids by using a device with a needle assembly for smooth transfer between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a syringe is used to transfer fluid from a first container to a second container that is already filled, then the fluid transfer can be achieved, but the plunger would move into a non-sterile area violating sterility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the syringe into two separate chambers: a first chamber that remains sterile and contains the plunger, and a second chamber that receives the fluid. This segmentation allows the plunger to stay in the sterile first chamber while fluid is transferred to the second chamber, resolving the contradiction between enabling fluid transfer and maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the divided syringe body with first and second chambers) that mediates between the sterile plunger and the non-sterile receiving container. The first chamber acts as a sterile interface, while the second chamber facilitates fluid transfer without requiring the plunger to enter non-sterile territory.
2Productivity
If acidic fluid is used for freezing flesh to render it insensitive to pain, then the freezing effect is achieved, but the acidic nature causes pain to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two separate fluids (acidic freezing agent and basic neutralizing agent) within a single syringe system. The acidic fluid is transferred to neutralize the basic fluid, combining their effects to achieve painless freezing while eliminating the harmful acidic pain through chemical neutralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device converts the harmful acidic effect into a beneficial neutralization process. By introducing a basic fluid that neutralizes the acidic freezing agent, the harmful pain caused by acidity is transformed into a beneficial painless freezing effect through chemical neutralization.
3Ease of operation
If a device is designed to allow plunger movement into non-sterile areas to enable fluid transfer, then fluid transfer is facilitated, but sterility requirements are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is segmented into a first chamber that maintains sterility and houses the plunger, and a second chamber that enables fluid transfer. This segmentation allows the device to be easy to operate for fluid transfer while maintaining sterility compliance, as the plunger never leaves the sterile first chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the syringe are assigned different functional qualities: the first chamber is designed to maintain sterility and contain the plunger, while the second chamber is designed for fluid reception and transfer. This local differentiation allows the device to satisfy both ease of operation and sterility requirements simultaneously.
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
Facilitates sterile and efficient transfer of fluids between containers, ensuring the acidic nature of the liquid is neutralized, maintaining sterility and enabling painless procedures by using a device with a needle assembly for pressure equalization and smooth fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of a first liquid is permitted to discharge into a storage portion of the device
Implementation Method 2
The mixture is then aspirated back into the syringe body
Implementation Method 3
A venting needle may optionally be connected to the plunger rod to equalize pressure between the first container and the syringe body
Data Source
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
A fluid transfer device (410) comprising a housing (412) having an exterior wall (422), a plurality of pairs of slots (428, 430) formed in the exterior wall, each one of the pairs of slots being diametrically opposed to each other; a needle hub (414) having an exterior wall (56, 58) and an interior wall (472) extending interiorly across the exterior wall (456, 458), to thereby form upper and lower compartments (492, 494) a first needle (474) extending upwardly from the interior wall (472), into the upper compartment (492) a second needle (476) extending downwardly from the interior wall into the lower compartment (494), the interior wall (472) having an opening therein to form a fluid passageway (478); a first cartridge (416) having a plunger and a pierceable cap (490); a second cartridge (480) having a plunger and a pierceable cap (484); a base member (418), the member having a base bottom wall (446), a plunger wall (440) extending upwardly from the base bottom wall; and the arrangement being such that the first cartridge (416) is inserted into the base member (418) such that the plunger seats on the plunger rod (450), and the second cartridge (480) is in the housing (412) with the pierceable cap (484) of the second cartridge (480) facing the first needle (474).