Modular Syringe Cradle Swaps for Fast Plunger Rod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for coupling plunger rods to medicinal syringe assemblies are cumbersome and require extensive changeover processes when switching between different syringe sizes, making them inefficient for small batches or varying syringe sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a selected carriage having a cradle that can receive syringe assemblies of different sizes, along with an actuating device that moves the cradle to couple the plunger rod to the syringe assembly, allowing for quick adaptation to various syringe sizes without extensive disassembly or reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fully automated machine is used for coupling plunger rods to syringe assemblies, then productivity is improved for large batches, but device complexity and footprint increase, making it impractical for small batches or varying syringe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into modular components including interchangeable carriages (first carriage for first size syringes, second carriage for second size syringes), each with its own cradle. This segmentation allows the system to handle different syringe sizes without requiring complete machine reconfiguration, reducing complexity while maintaining productivity for various batch sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is designed with universal features that allow a single device to perform multiple functions - handling both small and large batches, accommodating different syringe sizes through carriage interchangeability. The actuating device and base structure serve universal purposes across different carriage configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is adjusted for different syringe sizes through disassembly and reassembly, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time-intensive changeover process
Solution Approach 1:
Different carriages are pre-configured with cradles sized for specific syringe dimensions. Before a changeover is needed, the appropriate carriage is already prepared and can be quickly swapped in place of the current carriage. This preliminary preparation of interchangeable components dramatically reduces changeover time compared to disassembling and reassembling the same carriage for different sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs dynamic interchangeability through removable carriages that can be quickly swapped based on production needs. The carriage mounting mechanism allows for rapid attachment and detachment, enabling the system to adapt to different syringe sizes dynamically without time-consuming adjustments to fixed components
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for coupling a plunger rod to a syringe assembly may include a carriage including a cradle having a seat portion sized to receive a syringe assembly and an aperture portion disposed above the seat portion and sized to receive a plunger rod. An actuating device may be operatively coupled to the carriage and adapted to move the cradle from a first position to a second position to couple the plunger rod to the syringe assembly The carriage may be selected from separate and interchangeable first and second carriages, wherein the first carriage includes a cradle adapted to receive a syringe assembly of a first size and the second carriage including a cradle sized to receive a syringe assembly of a second size that is different from the first size.