Locking Single-Use Syringe for Precise Dose and Reuse Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringes for delivering therapeutic agents to periodontal pockets face challenges in providing an accurate and consistent dose, are prone to reuse due to complex mechanisms or user error, and pose infection risks from improper sterilization, especially in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A single-use syringe with a locking plunger mechanism that prevents reuse by manually actuating into a locked position, featuring a syringe body with integral or affixable delivery tip and a plunger with a pawl that engages slots to lock after full actuation, ensuring disposal after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retractable mechanisms (springs or pneumatic) are used to prevent syringe reuse, then syringe reuse is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable syringe design where the entire syringe body is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive retractable mechanisms. The syringe includes a simple plunger with a pawl mechanism that engages with slots in the syringe body to prevent reuse, rather than using complex spring or pneumatic retraction systems. This approach reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability in preventing reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reuse-prevention function from complex mechanical retraction mechanisms and implements it through a simple pawl-and-slot mechanism. The pawl on the plunger engages with predetermined slots in the syringe body, mechanically preventing any reverse movement or reuse of the syringe. This simplified extraction of the prevention function reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If manually operated disabling mechanisms are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to user error and forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe design allows the plunger to automatically engage the pawl mechanism with the slots in the syringe body during normal operation. As the plunger is pushed to deliver medication, it automatically engages the pawl with the appropriate slot, disabling the syringe without requiring any additional manual action or awareness from the user. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable prevention of reuse while maintaining simplicity and low manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe incorporates visual feedback through positioned slots that indicate the disabled state. The pawl engagement with specific slots provides tactile and visual confirmation that the syringe has been properly disabled after use. This feedback mechanism ensures that users can reliably identify when the syringe is disabled, preventing accidental reuse while maintaining the simple, low-cost design.
3Reliability
If complex disabling mechanisms are used, then prevention of reuse is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is segmented into distinct functional components: the syringe body with integrated slots, the plunger with the pawl mechanism, and the medication reservoir. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently with minimal complexity. The slots are integrated into the syringe body, the pawl is attached to the plunger, and their interaction provides reliable reuse prevention without requiring complex assemblies or multiple separate parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single-use medicament dispenser or syringe, and a method of using the syringe to deliver a medicament. More specifically, the present invention relates to a single-use syringe that includes a mechanism for locking the syringe in a dispensed position following administration of a medicament therefrom, and thereby preventing reuse of the syringe. A system or kit comprising a plurality of single-use syringes according to the invention can be provided, packaged together, with written instructions for use.