Latch Mechanism for Closed Drug Transfer Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare providers are at risk of exposure to hazardous drugs during the transfer process due to unintentional release of drugs into the atmosphere, primarily due to pressure differentials between the vial and surrounding atmosphere, leading to gas form or aerosolization during needle withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a syringe adapter with a cannula, seal arrangement, and vial adapter that includes a pressure equalization device and locking mechanism to ensure leak-proof sealing and pressure equalization during engagement and disengagement of the cannula with the vial, preventing fluid leakage and accidental needle sticks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle is used to transfer drugs from a vial, then fluid transfer is achieved, but pressure differentials cause drug release into the atmosphere during needle withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary component between the vial and the transfer device. The membrane allows controlled access to the vial contents while maintaining a sealed environment, preventing direct atmospheric exposure during the transfer process and eliminating the harmful aerosolization effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the needle from the transfer system and replaces it with a cannula that operates within a sealed adapter assembly. This extraction eliminates the open needle pathway that causes atmospheric release, while the cannula still achieves fluid transfer through the sealed membrane interface.
2Reliability
If a sealed vial system is used, then drug containment is improved, but pressure equalization during engagement and disengagement becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into multiple components: a membrane seal for the vial interface, a seal arrangement within the adapter, and a latch mechanism for engagement control. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of sealing and pressure management, achieving reliable containment without requiring a single complex pressure equalization system.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to ensure secure engagement, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded elements that automatically engage when the adapter is properly positioned on the vial. The spring force provides the necessary locking action without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving secure engagement while minimizing added complexity.
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 leak-proof sealing and pressure equalization, ensuring safe and secure transfer of hazardous drugs by preventing fluid leakage and reducing exposure risks to healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
The syringe adapter may include a spring configured to bias a position of the seal arrangement within the housing
Implementation Method 2
a vial adapter releasably attachable to the syringe adapter, the vial adapter including: a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is positionable within the housing of the adapter and the second end is configured to attach to a container
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring fluids, including a syringe adapter having a housing defining a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; a cannula positioned within the housing; a seal arrangement movably positioned within the housing; at least one locking element extending from the housing; and a vial adapter releasably attachable to the syringe adapter, the vial adapter including a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is positionable within the housing of the adapter and the second end is configured to attach to a container; and at least one retention element coupled to the body, the retention element configured to rotationally receive the at least one locking element to restrict axial movement of the syringe adapter.