Modular Vial Access Device with Irreversible Skirt Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial access devices require multiple configurations to accommodate different vial neck diameters and shapes, leading to complex and costly manufacturing processes and increased risk of accidental vial removal during use.
Innovation Solution
The vial access device features a spike and annular skirt as separate parts, irreversibly coupled to the device body, allowing for universal compatibility with various vial types by swapping only the annular skirt component, ensuring secure attachment and preventing environmental contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the annular skirt is made as a single integrated piece with the body and spike, then the device structure is simpler and more robust, but it requires multiple device configurations for different vial types increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable body with spike and a replaceable annular skirt. This segmentation allows the main body to remain standardized while only the skirt needs to be varied for different vial types, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the permanent attachment of the spike to the body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access device configurations are produced for different vial types, then compatibility with various vials is achieved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the annular skirt from the main body, the design allows standardization of the complex body components while only varying the simpler skirt component for different vial types. This significantly reduces manufacturing complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized body design with permanent spike attachment can serve multiple vial types when combined with different skirt variations, creating a universal base platform that enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the annular skirt is permanently attached to the spike, then accidental vial removal is prevented, but the device cannot be adapted to different vial types
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent attachment is applied only to the critical spike-component that prevents accidental removal, while the annular skirt remains a separate replaceable component. This selective permanent attachment maintains safety while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a fully static integrated design to a dynamic modular design where the skirt can be changed based on vial type requirements, while the safety-critical spike attachment remains fixed and permanent.
Data Source
AI summary
A vial access device, includes a body having a projecting annular skirt that is elastically deformable, for engaging a complementary shaped neck of a vial. A tubular spike extends coaxially within the annular skirt for introducing into the vial, and a tubular connector protrudes from the body on the side opposite to the annular skirt and in fluid communication with the tubular spike. The tubular spike and the annular skirt are arranged, respectively, within a first and a second part, distinct from each other, and of which the first part is permanently joined to the body and the second part is connectable to the first part through an irreversible coupling.