Fluidizable Substance Access Device with Dual Membrane Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access devices for fluidizing medicinal substances, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,799 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,838, face issues with aerosolized particles clogging filtering membranes and reducing venting flow, leading to difficulties in extracting medicinal substances, and pose risks of environmental contamination due to improper containment of gaseous phases.
Innovation Solution
Interposing impermeable filtering membranes between the first and second check valves, with two membranes forming an intermediate chamber in communication with the venting passage of the spike, effectively blocking backflow of aerosolized particles and ensuring secure isolation within the expandable chamber, thereby enhancing filtration and operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filtering membrane is used in prior art devices, then the device structure is simpler, but aerosolized particles clog the membrane and block venting flow
Solution Approach 1:
The single filtering membrane is divided into two separate membranes positioned at different locations. The first membrane is upstream of the first check valve and the second membrane is upstream of the second check valve. This segmentation allows each membrane to handle specific flow directions and particle types, preventing clogging and maintaining reliable venting flow.
2Device complexity
If check valves are arranged on the same side of the filtering membrane in prior art, then the device structure is simpler, but aerosolized particles can escape into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The check valves are arranged in different spatial dimensions relative to the filtering membranes. The first check valve is positioned downstream of the first membrane, and the second check valve is positioned downstream of the second membrane. This dimensional arrangement creates multiple containment zones that prevent aerosolized particles from escaping into the environment.
3Device complexity
If no intermediate chamber is provided between check valves, then the device structure is simpler, but backflow of aerosolized particles cannot be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate chamber is introduced between the first and second check valves. This intermediate chamber acts as a mediator that captures and contains aerosolized particles, preventing them from flowing backward. The chamber is equipped with both check valves and filtering membranes that work together to block backflow and maintain particle containment.
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
This configuration provides improved filtration and containment of aerosolized particles, preventing environmental contamination and ensuring effective extraction of medicinal substances by blocking backflow and maintaining operational safety even in cases of check valve malfunction or improper use.
Implementation Method 1
interposing impermeable filtering membranes between the first and second check valves... effectively blocking backflow of aerosolized particles and ensuring secure isolation within the expandable chamber
Implementation Method 2
the gaseous phases produced by the medicinal substance following its dilution are conveyed under pressure, through the lateral passage of the body and the first one-way check valve, into the expandable chamber and captured inside
Implementation Method 3
a first check valve, which enables one-way communication from the lateral passage to the expandable chamber
Implementation Method 4
a second check valve, which enables one-way communication from a vent opening to the venting passage of the spike... enables rebalancing of the pressure within the vial
Data Source
AI summary
An access device for containers of fluidizable substances includes a body provided with a hollow spike designed to be inserted into a container of a substance to fluidize and having an axial fluid passage and an axial passage for venting of the container, an expandable chamber connected to the venting passage of the spike through a lateral passage of the body, a first check valve enabling one-way communication from the lateral passage to the expandable chamber, a second check valve enabling one-way communication from a vent opening to the venting passage of the spike. A double impermeable filtering membrane is interposed between the first check valve and the second check valve.