Fluid Transfer Selector for Controlled Vial-to-IV Bag Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for transferring medications from medical vials to IV fluid bags require shaking of the IV fluid bag to mix the medication, which is inefficient and may lead to improper mixing or waste.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device that securely attaches to both the medical vial and the IV fluid bag, featuring a selector portion to selectively open and close the fluid flow path between them, allowing for controlled transfer and mixing without the need for shaking the IV bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a syringe is used to extract medicine from the vial and inject into the IV fluid bag, then the medication transfer can be performed, but the process requires manual shaking of the IV fluid bag which is inefficient and may lead to improper mixing or waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transfer and mixing functions into a single integrated device. The mixing chamber receives medication from the vial and automatically mixes it with IV fluid through internal flow paths and chambers, eliminating the need for separate syringe extraction and manual shaking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate mixing chamber as a mediator between the vial and the IV fluid bag. This chamber allows controlled interaction between the medication and IV fluid through defined flow paths, enabling automatic mixing without direct injection into the final bag.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current transfer devices are used, then medication can be transferred from vial to IV bag, but the devices cannot selectively control the fluid flow path between the two containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid transfer system into distinct functional zones: a vial engagement portion, a mixing chamber with defined flow paths, and an IV bag connection portion. Each segment handles specific tasks and can be independently controlled through valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic valve mechanisms that can selectively open or close different fluid flow paths between the vial and IV bag. These valves allow the device to transition between different operational states (transfer mode, mixing mode, isolation mode) based on procedural requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.