Expandable Bag Vial Adaptor for Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for extracting medicinal fluids from vials face challenges such as pressure differential issues, contamination risks from ambient air, and complications in accurately removing and reinserting fluids due to the use of imperfect filters and complex, bulky devices.
Innovation Solution
A vial adaptor system that includes a piercing member and a bag within the adaptor, which expands or contracts to regulate pressure within the vial, allowing for the removal and reinsertion of fluids without significant pressure changes, and uses a substantially impervious bag to prevent contamination from ambient air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional filtering systems are used to prevent contamination, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases and filtration efficiency remains imperfect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the filtering component entirely from the system, extracting only the essential function of contamination prevention through the use of a sealed bag that physically isolates the medicinal fluid from ambient air, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed bag acts as an intermediary barrier between the medicinal fluid and ambient air, providing contamination protection without requiring complex filtering mechanisms. The bag mediates the interaction by creating a physical separation that prevents direct contact between potentially harmful air and the fluid
2Stress or pressure
If pressure equalization holes are created in the vial, then pressure differential issues are resolved, but contamination risks increase from ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable bag serves as a mediator that allows pressure equalization without creating direct openings to ambient air. As the bag expands or contracts, it accommodates pressure changes internally while the sealed structure prevents external contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the bag from collapsed to expanded as fluid is removed, allowing the bag volume to dynamically adjust and equalize pressure without requiring fixed pressure equalization holes that would compromise sterility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are used to manage pressure and prevent contamination, then some protection is provided, but fluid removal accuracy decreases due to filter imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from the pressure management system, eliminating the compromise between filtration and accuracy. Pressure management is achieved independently through bag expansion/contraction, while the sealed bag maintains contamination protection, allowing precise fluid measurement without filter interference
4Stress or pressure
If complex pressure regulation devices are used, then pressure differential issues are resolved, but device simplicity and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bag automatically regulates pressure through its own expansion and contraction as fluid is removed from the vial. The system is self-regulating without requiring external pressure management devices, making the operation simple and intuitive while effectively managing pressure differentials
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 system effectively manages pressure differentials, reduces contamination risks, and facilitates accurate and safe removal and reinsertion of medicinal fluids, improving the efficiency and safety of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial
Implementation Method 2
the bag contracts within the vial... as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.