Integrated Gas Syringe Filling for Accurate Vitrectomy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas delivery systems for patients, particularly during vitrectomy procedures, are complex, require multiple operators, and risk incorrect gas mixtures due to manual calculations and manual mixing processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, ready-to-use syringe system with an integrated pre-mixed gas canister that automatically purges and fills the syringe, eliminating manual mixing and reducing the need for external equipment, ensuring accurate gas mix ratios and sterility with a single-user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gas mixing systems are used with multiple components and operators, then gas delivery can be achieved, but device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas cylinders, mixing components, and delivery mechanisms into a single integrated automated system. The gas mixer device merges the functions of multiple operators and separate components into one unified device that automatically mixes and delivers gases, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated gas mixing system performs gas mixing and delivery autonomously without requiring multiple operators to manually coordinate. The system self-regulates the mixing process, automatically purges lines, and controls gas flow, making the operation simpler and reducing the need for human intervention in complex coordination tasks.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual calculation of gas volumes is performed, then gas mixing can be achieved, but manufacturing precision decreases due to risk of incorrect mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation and measurement methods with an automated electronic control system. The system uses electronic sensors, microprocessors, and programmed algorithms to precisely control gas volumes and mixing ratios, eliminating human calculation errors and improving both measurement and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated gas mixing system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor gas flow rates, volumes, and mixing ratios. The system adjusts parameters in real-time based on sensor data to ensure precise mixing accuracy, preventing incorrect gas mixtures through automated correction rather than relying on manual calculation accuracy.
3Productivity
If multiple purging cycles are performed manually, then gas filling can be achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated gas mixing system performs purging and filling operations continuously without interruption. The system maintains continuous gas flow through automated control, eliminating the need for multiple discrete manual purging cycles and reducing the total time required for gas delivery preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated purging of gas lines and components before the actual gas mixing and delivery process. This preliminary action is automatically executed as part of the startup sequence, ensuring lines are clear before mixing begins, which reduces the need for repeated manual purging cycles during operation.
4Reliability
If reusable gas cylinders with manual mixing are used, then gas delivery is possible, but reliability decreases due to risk of incorrect gas mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mixing operations with an automated electronic control system that precisely regulates gas flows and mixing ratios. This substitution eliminates human error in manual operations while maintaining ease of use through automated control interfaces, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing operational simplicity.
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 provides immediate use, increased mix ratio accuracy, decreased risk of incorrect gas mixtures, and maintains sterility, all while requiring only one user and no external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the gas travels through the passage into the gas chamber, thereby displacing the piston proximally along the axis to fill the gas chamber with the gas
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for delivering gas. In one example, the device includes a syringe body including a proximal end, a distal end including an outlet and a gas chamber communicating with the outlet, and a plunger carrying a piston slidably received within the syringe body. A canister containing a gas is provided within the plunger adjacent a passage through the piston communicating with the gas chamber. A drive actuator is movable to cause an opener pin to open a septum of the canister and release the gas, whereupon the gas travels through the passage into the gas chamber, thereby displacing the piston proximally to fill the gas chamber. Once activated, the plunger may be advanced to deliver the gas within the gas chamber through the outlet into a patient's body, e.g., into an eye via a cannula connected to the outlet.