Medical Fluid Transfer Assembly With Selectable Flow Path Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for transferring medical fluids between a medical vial and an IV fluid bag require shaking of the IV fluid bag to mix the medicine, and there is a need for a device that can selectively open and close the fluid flow path between the two containers.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device with attachment portions that secure to both a medical vial and an IV fluid bag, and a selector portion that allows for selective transition between blocking and providing a flow path between the two containers, using projections to penetrate seals and a limiter to inhibit the selector portion from transitioning between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid transfer device is designed to selectively open and close the fluid flow path between a medical vial and an IV fluid bag, then the control over fluid transfer is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of a selector portion and limiter mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: attachment portions for securing to containers, a selector portion for controlling fluid flow path configuration, and a limiter mechanism for restricting transitions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The selector portion is designed to be dynamically transitionable between different configurations (first and second configurations) to selectively open or close the fluid flow path. The limiter provides dynamic restriction that can be moved from a first position to a second position, allowing controlled transitions between states while maintaining operational simplicity
2Reliability
If the device includes a limiter to inhibit the selector portion from transitioning between configurations, then the reliability of fluid transfer control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter is pre-positioned in a first position that inhibits the selector portion from transitioning between configurations. This preliminary restriction ensures reliable control by preventing unauthorized or accidental transitions. The limiter can be deliberately moved to a second position when transition is needed, providing reliable control while managing complexity through intentional design
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter acts as an intermediary mechanism between the selector portion and the fluid flow path. It mediates the transition process by selectively allowing or preventing configuration changes, thereby improving reliability of fluid transfer control while adding a controlled layer of complexity that enhances overall system safety and precision
3Ease of operation
If attachment portions with projections are used to penetrate seals on container ports, then the ease of operation is improved by simplifying connection, but the reliability may worsen due to potential seal damage or leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the container seals actively engage with the device, the projections on the attachment portions actively penetrate the seals in a controlled manner. This inverted approach allows the device to initiate and control the connection process, improving ease of operation while the controlled penetration mechanism maintains seal integrity and prevents leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.