Multi-port manifold closed liquid transfer system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed system drug-transfer devices (CSTDs) are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when handling multiple drug containers, and can pose safety hazards due to pressure buildup during drug reconstitution.

Innovation Solution

A closed liquid transfer system featuring a multi-port manifold and a connector suitable for drug containers, which includes conduits for liquid and gaseous fluid transfer, a gas collection container, and a valve for unidirectional liquid flow, allowing for efficient and safe transfer of diluents into multiple drug containers without repeated syringe connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional CSTDs are used for drug transfer, then contamination-free transfer is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination-free transferVSAvoidtransfer process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transfer operations into a single integrated system. The manifold allows simultaneous connection to multiple containers, and the syringe can transfer between them without disconnection, merging what were previously separate sequential operations into one continuous process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The syringe and manifold assembly serves multiple functions: it can connect to different container types (vials, bags), perform multiple transfers, and maintain closed system integrity throughout. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized single-use adapters for each transfer operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional CSTDs are used for multiple drug containers, then each transfer is safe, but the number of connection steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer safetyVSAvoidnumber of connection steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold integrates multiple connection ports into a single device that remains attached to the syringe throughout the entire multi-container transfer process. This merging of connection functions into one persistent attachment point eliminates the need for repeated connection and disconnection cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is preliminarily configured with the syringe attached to the manifold before any transfers begin. This preliminary attachment creates a stable base from which multiple containers can be sequentially connected and emptied without requiring re-attachment of the syringe itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If rapid drug reconstitution is performed, then productivity increases, but pressure buildup creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstitution speedVSAvoidpressure buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manifold acts as an intermediary between the syringe and the drug containers, providing a controlled interface that manages pressure dynamics. The system allows rapid transfer while the manifold's design accommodates pressure equalization and prevents dangerous buildup during the reconstitution process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts and separates the gas venting function from the liquid transfer path. By providing dedicated pathways for gas to escape while liquid is transferred, the system allows rapid reconstitution without trapping pressure that could create safety hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system significantly reduces the number of steps required for drug reconstitution and dilution, enhances safety by preventing gas escape and contamination, and facilitates efficient handling of multiple drug containers, making it more practical for medium to large medical facilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first conduit to transfer a liquid entering an inlet port of the manifold through the connector and into the drug container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a second conduit to transfer a gaseous fluid through the connector and the manifold to an outlet port of the manifold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the manifold includes a hermetic seal in the outlet port to prevent liquid flow into the gas transporting tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3200745B1Liquid transfer system
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 EQUASHIELD MEDICAL
  • EP3200745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3200745B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3200745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a transfer device for use in reconstituting dry drugs and for diluting liquid drugs in drug containers. The transfer device includes a multi-port manifold and a connector suitable to be attached to a drug container, a first conduit to transfer a liquid entering an inlet port of the manifold through the connector and into the drug container, and a second conduit to transfer a gaseous fluid through the connector to an outlet port of the manifold. Also disclosed is a closed liquid transfer system which includes the transfer device, a tube connectable to the inlet port for transporting a liquid to the transfer device, a tube connectable to the outlet port for transporting the gaseous fluid away from the transfer device, and a gas collection container to collect the gaseous fluid in the gas transporting tube.