Modular Vial Adapter Segmentation for Universal Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vial adapters are limited in their ability to securely attach to vials with varying closure sizes and thicknesses of rubber stoppers, leading to logistical and cost issues for medical facilities that need to stock multiple adapter sizes to accommodate different medications and treatments.
Innovation Solution
A modular vial adapter design consisting of separately constructed components such as a spike member, port member, and skirt member, which can be interchangeably configured to accommodate different vial sizes, delivery devices, and fluid flow requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-size vial adapter is used, then the adapter structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but it cannot securely attach to vials with varying closure sizes and stopper thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple independently adjustable components including a closure engagement portion with adjustable claws, a stopper engagement portion with adjustable depth, and a connector portion. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured to match different vial closure sizes and stopper thicknesses, providing universal compatibility without requiring multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable claws with adjustable spacing, variable-depth stopper engagement mechanisms, and reconfigurable connector orientations. These dynamic features enable the single adapter structure to adapt to various vial configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size adapters while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vial adapter sizes are stocked to accommodate different vials, then all vial sizes can be securely attached, but logistical complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can securely attach to vials of various closure sizes (8mm, 11mm, 13mm, 17mm, 20mm, 28mm, 32mm) and stopper thicknesses through its adjustable components. This single universal adapter replaces the need for hospitals and medical facilities to maintain inventories of multiple specialized adapters, simplifying logistics and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full compatibility across all vial types.
3Ease of operation
If conventional needle withdrawal is used, then direct access to vial contents is achieved, but fluid leakage occurs through gaps between needle and rubber stopper
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the needle/syringe and the vial closure. It provides a sealed interface with the rubber stopper through its stopper engagement portion, eliminating the gap that causes leakage in direct needle insertion. The adapter's sealed fluid pathway ensures that all fluid withdrawal passes through the controlled adapter interface rather than leaking through gaps, while still allowing direct access to vial contents through its connector portion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a vial adapter for interconnecting a vial and a fluid delivery device, and, more particularly, to a vial adapter having a modular design consisting of separately constructed components cooperatively arranged and coupled to one another. The modular construction allows for rapid manufacturing reconfigurations of one or more components with minimal costs to create new vial adapter configurations that meet specific needs.