Multiple Site Injection System With Plunger Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection systems face challenges in efficiently delivering microliter range doses of fluids to multiple sites in a patient while ensuring safety and reducing medical waste.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multiple site injection system that includes a syringe body with a stopper member and a plunger ratchet mechanism, allowing for precise control over fluid delivery and needle retraction, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-use syringe is used for each patient, then patient safety and sterility are maintained, but medical waste increases and drug shortages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is divided into two separable components: a reusable plunger assembly and a disposable syringe body. The plunger assembly can be detached and reused across multiple patients, while only the syringe body is discarded after single use. This segmentation reduces waste by allowing reuse of the more complex and costly plunger components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers and reuses the plunger assembly across multiple patients while discarding only the syringe body after single use. The plunger assembly is designed to be easily detached from the syringe body, enabling recovery and sterilization for subsequent use with different patients.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable needle mechanism is added to the syringe, then safety from needle sticks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle retraction function is merged with the existing plunger mechanism. The same plunger that pushes the piston for injection also drives the needle retraction through a linkage system. This integration eliminates the need for separate retraction motors or mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle retraction mechanism is automatically activated by the user's injection action itself. When the plunger is pushed to deliver the dose, the linkage system automatically retracts the needle without requiring additional user input or separate control systems. The system serves its own safety function through the existing operational motion.
3Measurement precision
If precise microliter range dosing is achieved, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electronic dosing systems with a simple mechanical ratchet mechanism. The ratchet engages with the plunger at specific intervals, providing precise microliter dosing through pure mechanical geometry rather than sensors, microprocessors, or motors. This mechanical approach achieves precision without electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides precise dosing through periodic engagement cycles. Each ratchet tooth corresponds to a specific dose volume, and the periodic engagement of teeth with the plunger ensures consistent, repeatable microliter measurements. This periodic mechanical action delivers precise dosing without requiring continuous electronic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for injecting includes a syringe body having proximal and distal ends, a syringe interior, and a syringe flange at the proximal end thereof. The system also includes an injectable fluid disposed in the syringe interior. The system further includes a finger flange coupled to the syringe flange. Moreover, the system includes a stopper member disposed in the syringe interior. In addition, the system includes a plunger ratchet member coupled to the stopper member. The system also includes a plunger tube disposed coaxially around at least a portion of the plunger ratchet member and operatively coupled thereto.