Flash Cover Spike for Last Drop Extraction and Coring Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid transfer devices fail to efficiently extract the last few drops of medicament from containers, leading to waste and potential contamination, and are not adaptable to various sealing member configurations and thicknesses, often causing coring during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A spike with a pre-cut flash cover that opens upon application of a distally directed force, featuring a molded hinge mechanism and a steep taper to facilitate last drop withdrawal, compatible with various sealing member thicknesses, and includes a pressure equalization arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the piercing member is retracted through the sealing member to remove remaining medicament, then complete extraction of medicament is achieved, but toxic drug may leak out and contaminate the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The flash is pre-formed with a pre-cut pattern that allows it to break open in advance when needed. The flash covering is designed to break upon application of distally directed force, preliminarily opening the fluid opening to facilitate last drop extraction without requiring retraction that would cause leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The flash is segmented through the pre-cut pattern into multiple sections that can separate from each other. This segmentation allows the flash to break into controlled sections rather than a single large opening, enabling complete medicament extraction while maintaining control over the opening process to prevent uncontrolled leakage
2Loss of substance
If the piercing member is retracted to extract last drops, then complete medicament removal is achieved, but non-filtered air containing particles may be drawn into the piercing member and contaminate the medicament
Solution Approach 1:
The flash is preliminarily opened by breaking the pre-cut pattern before air contamination can occur. This preliminary opening action allows the system to access remaining medicament through the already-opened flash rather than retracting the piercing member, preventing airborne particles from entering
Solution Approach 2:
The flash acts as an intermediary element between the piercing member and the external environment. By opening the flash instead of retracting the piercing member, the intermediary mechanism allows medicament extraction while maintaining the sealing relationship, preventing direct exposure to contaminated air
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spikes are used with various sealing member thicknesses, then broad applicability is achieved, but coring occurs during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The flash is designed with a pre-cut pattern that creates specific local qualities at the opening. This local quality control allows the flash to open in a controlled manner that prevents coring, while the overall design maintains adaptability to various sealing member thicknesses through the flexible covering structure
Solution Approach 2:
The flash covering design allows parameter changes in the opening process. The pre-cut pattern enables the flash to transition from a closed state to an opened state with controlled geometry, adapting to different sealing member parameters while preventing coring through the controlled opening mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for transferring fluids in a closed system transfer device using flash for last drop extraction and to reduce coring. The device including a piercing member having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a longitudinal fluid channel. A first opening positioned at the distal end of the piercing member wherein the first opening is in fluid communication with the longitudinal fluid channel. A cover or flash positioned over the first opening. The cover including a pre-cut pattern wherein the cover opens along the pre-cut pattern upon application of a distally directed force from the longitudinal fluid channel. The distal end including the first opening having a steep taper to facilitate last drop extraction.