Fluid Transfer Assembly for Vial to Syringe Drug Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no easy method for patients to transfer subcutaneous drugs from a vial into an auto-injector for home injection, limiting the usability of auto-injectors with pre-filled syringes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer assembly that connects a syringe to a vial, allowing fluid transfer through a needle-based pathway, enabling easy filling of the syringe without significant user intervention, and a delivery system with a drive sub-assembly to operate the syringe for injection, along with a base station for resetting the drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient manually draws drug from a vial into a syringe, then the injection can be performed, but the process is complex and requires significant user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer assembly merges the vial engagement means, needle, and syringe connection means into a single integrated device. This allows the patient to transfer drug from vial to syringe using one unified tool rather than multiple separate components, significantly simplifying the operation while maintaining effective drug transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid transfer assembly acts as an intermediary device between the vial and syringe. It includes a needle that pierces the vial closure and a fluid pathway that connects the vial interior to the syringe, mediating the drug transfer process and eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation by the patient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auto-injectors are manufactured with pre-filled syringes, then injection is simplified, but there is no easy method for patients to transfer drugs from vials into auto-injectors
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer assembly provides universal functionality by being able to transfer drugs from vials into both conventional syringes and auto-injectors. The device is designed to work with multiple types of receiving vessels, making the auto-injector system more adaptable and versatile while maintaining ease of operation for patients.
3Extent of automation
If a needle-based fluid pathway is used, then fluid transfer is achieved without substantial user intervention, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer assembly is pre-configured with the needle and fluid pathway in place before use. The patient simply needs to attach the assembly to the vial and syringe, and the pre-positioned needle automatically pierces the closure and establishes the fluid pathway, achieving automation of the critical fluid transfer steps without requiring the patient to perform complex manipulations.
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 the transfer of drugs from a vial to a syringe with minimal user input, allowing for efficient use of auto-injectors with conventional syringes and enabling easy assembly and operation of the injection device.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving means comprises a needle to pierce the closure element and extend into the vial
Implementation Method 2
the fluid is transferred in use from the vial to the syringe under the force of gravity acting on the fluid, when the connection means is located above the receiving means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A fluid transfer assembly (10) comprises means (12) for connection to a syringe and receiving means (11) for receiving a vial (14) having a closure element (14a). The receiving means (11) is adapted to engage and open the closure element (14a) and permit fluid in the vial (14) to be transferred to the syringe from the vial, for example by gravity acting on the fluid in the vial.