Hinged Cap Syringe for One-Handed Aseptic Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing syringe assemblies for vascular access devices (VADs) lack a physical barrier to prevent contamination of the syringe tip with non-sterile environments, and require two hands to remove the cap, complicating aseptic procedures and increasing the risk of bloodstream infections.

Innovation Solution

A flush syringe assembly with a collar surrounding the elongate tip, a hinged cap that can be opened with one hand, and a locking mechanism that ensures the cap remains closed until needed, thereby creating a physical barrier against contamination and facilitating aseptic practices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional syringe tip cap is used, then the syringe tip is protected from contamination, but two hands are required to remove the cap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap removal operationVSAvoidaseptic practice

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed to pivot from a closed position (protecting the tip) to an open position (exposing the tip for use) through a hinge mechanism. This dynamic transformation allows the cap to serve dual functions: protection during storage/transport and easy one-handed removal during use, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the syringe tip is exposed to the environment, then one-handed operation is possible, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed operationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is pre-attached to the syringe assembly in a closed position, creating a physical barrier before use. The hinge mechanism allows this pre-attached cap to be quickly pivoted open with one hand, eliminating the need for separate cap removal actions while maintaining protection until the moment of use, thus enabling one-handed operation without increased contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a hinged cap mechanism is added, then one-handed operation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed cap removalVSAvoidcap mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is merged with the syringe assembly through a hinge connection rather than being a separate removable component. This integration allows the cap to function as both a protective cover and a user interface element, enabling one-handed operation through a simple pivot motion while avoiding the complexity of separate cap removal mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12311149B2Flush syringe with flip cap

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

Flush syringe assemblies are described herein. Such flush syringe assembly may include a barrel including a side wall defining a chamber, a collar mounted on a distal wall of the barrel and surrounding an elongate tip. A cap may be attached to the collar via a hinge. The flush syringe assembly may also include a cap attached to the collar via a hinge. A ring may be disposed around the collar with a locking element that engages with a corresponding mating locking projection on the cap. The cap may include a slanted surface. The slanted surface of the cap may include one or more ribs made of an elastomeric material.