Magnetic Pantograph Bag Transfer for Sterile IV Compounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic compounding machines face challenges in handling diverse shapes and materials, such as medication vials and flexible IV bags, while maintaining sterility and preventing contamination during the preparation of intravenous medication delivery systems.

Innovation Solution

A bag transfer mechanism utilizing a linear actuator and pantograph mechanism with a magnet, coupled with a retraction sensor and structure sensor, facilitates the precise and sterile transfer of IV bags between storage and processing stations, ensuring cleanliness and efficient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic compounding machine handles diverse shapes and materials (vials, syringes, IV bags), then the versatility of the machine is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse shapes and materialsVSAvoidcomplexity of the robotic machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pantograph mechanism is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple types of objects including vials, syringes, and flexible IV bags through a single unified transfer mechanism. The mechanism can adapt to different object geometries and material properties without requiring separate handling systems, thereby improving versatility while controlling complexity through design elegance rather than component proliferation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the bag transfer mechanism uses a magnet coupled to the distal end of the pantograph mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential contamination risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of bag transfer operationVSAvoidcontamination risk during transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based transfer mechanisms with a magnetic field-based interaction system. The magnet coupled to the pantograph mechanism interacts with ferromagnetic elements in the IV bag clamps or holders, enabling contactless or minimal-contact transfer operations. This substitution reduces mechanical wear and contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation through magnetic attraction and release control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables efficient, contamination-free transfer and processing of IV bags, maintaining sterility and improving the handling of diverse materials, thereby enhancing the preparation of medications for intravenous delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet coupled to the distal end of the pantograph mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12102596B2Bag transfer mechanism for IV compounding

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 OMNICELL INC

AI summary

A bag transfer mechanism for moving intravenous medication delivery bags includes linear actuator and a pantograph mechanism. A proximal end of the pantograph mechanism is coupled to the linear actuator such a that the pantograph mechanism is configured to extend when the linear actuator travels in a first direction, and to retract when the linear actuator travels in a second direction. The bag transfer mechanism also includes a magnet coupled to a distal end of the pantograph mechanism.