Infusion Transfer Cap with Valve for Sterile Medicament Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing devices for admixing medicaments to infusion solutions in infusion containers are prone to contamination due to exposure of the infusion container's opening after the medicament container is removed, leading to potential contamination from ambient air.

Innovation Solution

The device keeps the medicament reservoir attached to the transfer cap during the infusion process, maintaining a closed system and preventing contamination by using a valve mechanism that allows infusion solution to flow between the containers without detaching the medicament container, ensuring the system remains sealed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the medication container is removed from the infusion container after mixing, then the infusion set can be attached to the infusion container, but the removal opening of the infusion container is exposed and contaminating ambient air can penetrate into the infusion container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of infusion setVSAvoidcontamination of infusion solution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The infusion set is integrated into the medication container structure, with the infusion set's connection interface nested within the medication container assembly. This allows the infusion set to be attached without removing the medication container, keeping the removal opening covered and preventing contamination while enabling infusion operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the medication container is removed from the infusion container, then the infusion set can be connected, but the staff cannot easily identify which medication has been added to the infusion solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection of infusion setVSAvoididentification of medication
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The medication container and infusion set connection are merged into a single integrated assembly. The medication container remains attached to the infusion container while the infusion set connects to it, combining the medication delivery function with the infusion set function. This integration ensures the medication container stays in place for identification while enabling infusion set connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the medication container remains attached to the transfer cap, then the system remains closed and contamination is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility of infusion solutionVSAvoidstructure of infusion device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The medication container is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the medication delivery vessel and the connection interface for the infusion set. The transfer cap structure is designed to accommodate both the medication container attachment and the infusion set connection simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the closed system for sterility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design simplifies handling, reduces the risk of contamination, and allows healthcare staff to easily identify the added medication, as the medicament container remains attached, ensuring the infusion solution remains sterile throughout the process.

Implementation Method 1

A valve is arranged in the transfer cap (2) between the two hollow mandrels (2.4; 2.5)... which valve interrupts the connection between the two hollow mandrels (2.4; 2.5) and only releases the connection when an actuating force is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

the infusion container (1), which is usually made of transparent plastic and has flexible wall sections, so that the infusion container (1) can be compressed to generate a pressure in the container, whereupon a negative pressure is generated by releasing the elastic side walls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2194951B1Device for introducing medicine into an infusion container
Publication Date: 2014.02.26 B BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
  • EP2194951B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2194951B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2194951B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for admixing medicine to an infusion solution in an infusion container (1). The removal opening thereof is provided with a sealed region (1.4), comprising a transfer cap (2) that can be connected to the removal opening of the infusion container (1) and a hollow mandrel (2.4) for piercing the sealed region (1.4). A receiving device (2.3) is provided on the transfer cap (2) for a medicine container (3) and comprises a hollow mandrel (2.5) for piercing a seal (3.2) on the medicine container (3). It furthermore comprises a valve (5; 6; 7; 8), arranged between the two hollow mandrels (2.5) in the transfer cap (2), wherein the valve separates the connection between both hollow mandrels (2.4, 2.5) and can only be moved into the open position by applying a force, and wherein a free region (2.6) is provided on the transfer cap (2) for attaching an infusion set.