Automated IV Reservoir Piercing for Direct Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for filling intravenous medication reservoirs are manual and time-consuming, exposing healthcare staff to toxic drugs and risking errors in dosage due to the need for frequent connections and disconnections of 'Luer Lock' connectors, which can lead to injuries and incorrect dosages.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using a machine with actuating means to pierce a closure cap on the reservoir, allowing direct injection of components without manual connections, and a mechanism to withdraw dead volumes for precise dosing, reducing staff exposure and ensuring accurate dosing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual connection and disconnection of Luer Lock connectors is used for filling reservoirs, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and staff exposure to toxic drugs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic filling where the machine performs the connection, injection, and disconnection operations autonomously without requiring manual handling of Luer Lock connectors by healthcare staff, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical connection and disconnection of Luer Lock connectors with an automated injection system that uses a piercing mechanism to access the reservoir through the closure cap, eliminating the need for repeated manual connector attachment and detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual connection and disconnection of Luer Lock connectors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs the entire filling operation autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual steps of connecting and disconnecting Luer Lock connectors multiple times, thereby significantly reducing the total time required for reservoir filling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a single initial connection to the reservoir through the closure cap before filling, and maintains this connection throughout the entire injection process, eliminating the need for repeated connections and disconnections that would consume additional time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual handling of Luer Lock connectors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability is reduced due to risk of incorrect dosing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated injection system eliminates human error in dosing by programmatically controlling the injection volume and rate, ensuring precise and reliable medication delivery without the risks associated with manual operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a weighing mechanism that monitors the mass of the reservoir before and after filling to verify the exact amount of medication injected, providing feedback control that ensures accurate dosing and prevents errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If manual connection and disconnection of Luer Lock connectors is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but staff safety is compromised due to exposure to toxic drugs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidstaff safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs all operations within a closed environment, eliminating the need for healthcare staff to manually handle toxic medications and Luer Lock connectors, thereby completely removing staff exposure to harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a piercing mechanism that accesses the reservoir through the closure cap without requiring direct connection to the Luer Lock port, serving as an intermediary that eliminates the need for staff to physically connect and disconnect connectors that may be contaminated with toxic substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10080835B2Method for the automatic filling of containers for medication for intravenous administration in a machine for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 KIRO GRIFOLS SL

AI summary

The invention describes a method for the automatic filling of containers for medication for intravenous administration in a machine for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication, the said containers comprising at least one fluid inlet connector closed by a cap that comprises an internal through conduit, said machine comprising injectors with spikes actuated by at least actuating means arranged in the said machine. The said method is characterized in that the said spike causes a piercing of one of the ends of said cap, allowing the direct injection of said component into said container.