Needleless Vial Cap Assembly for Safe Medical Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for extracting and administering contents from medical vials require the assembly of a needle with a syringe, which is time-consuming and poses risks associated with needle handling.
Innovation Solution
A vial assembly with a cap assembly that includes a valve, a seal, an access member, and a housing, eliminating the need for a needle by allowing direct connection of a syringe to the cap assembly for extraction and administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle and syringe assembly is used for extraction and administration, then the extraction and administration functions are achieved, but the assembly process is time-consuming and needle handling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the needle component from the traditional syringe-needle assembly, removing the source of needle handling risks while preserving the essential extraction and administration functions through a needleless design with a reusable vial access device
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the vial access device with the syringe system, creating an integrated assembly where the syringe connects directly to the vial through a sealed interface, eliminating the need for separate needle attachment and reducing assembly steps
2Productivity
If a needle is used for extraction, then liquid can be drawn from the vial, but the extraction process is subject to risks of unintentional needle punctures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of needle punctures into a benefit by designing a system where the removal of the needle itself eliminates the harm, while the sealed vial access device provides controlled access that maintains extraction efficiency without the associated safety risks
3Ease of operation
If a needle assembly is used, then administration can be performed, but the handling of unprotected needles poses risks to people and surrounding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the needle from the administration system, eliminating the source of harm while maintaining the ability to administer medications through a protected, needleless interface that allows for safe connection and delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A cap assembly includes an access member including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a connection portion that is attachable to an extraction device that extracts contents of a reservoir. The connection portion includes a first opening. The second section includes a second opening in fluid communication with the contents of the reservoir when the access member is secured to the reservoir. The cap assembly includes a valve member insertable into the access member so as to be in fluid communication with the first opening and the second opening and such that the valve member i) seals the contents of the reservoir at the first opening when the connection portion is not attached the extraction device, and ii) provides access to the contents of the reservoir through the first opening when the connection portion is attached to the extraction device.