Nested Plunger Rod Packaging for Syringe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pre-filled syringes have a bulky packaging design that makes them difficult to store and ship, especially in limited storage spaces, due to their elongated shape and the need for separate packaging of the syringe barrel and plunger rod.
Innovation Solution
A syringe assembly design where the plunger rod and syringe barrel are packaged separately within a single packaging member, with a sealing mechanism that secures both components together, reducing the overall storage space required and allowing for easy assembly when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plunger rod and syringe barrel are packaged separately in a conventional pre-filled syringe design, then the syringe can be easily assembled and used, but the packaging becomes bulky and difficult to store and ship
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger rod is inserted through the syringe barrel, with the plunger rod effectively nested within the barrel structure. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall packaging volume from an elongated separate-component layout to a compact integrated form that fits within a smaller packaging footprint while maintaining the ability to separate and assemble the components when needed
2Ease of manufacture
If the plunger rod extends out of the syringe barrel in conventional packaging, then the components can be easily accessed, but the package becomes elongated and awkward for shipping and storage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of packaging the plunger rod extending outward from the syringe barrel as in conventional designs, the patent inverts this arrangement by inserting the plunger rod through the barrel so that it terminates within the barrel or at its end face. This inversion transforms the package shape from an elongated awkward form to a compact cylindrical shape that is easier to ship and store, while the plunger rod remains accessible for assembly by simply inserting it into the barrel
3Loss of time
If the syringe is pre-filled with medication, then the user does not need to fill it prior to injection, but the packaging becomes bulky and requires controlled storage with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of the plunger rod within the pre-filled syringe barrel allows the entire assembly to be packaged in a compact form factor. This reduces the storage area required for pre-filled syringes in controlled environments and locked cabinets, while maintaining the time-saving benefit of pre-filled medication readiness
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A syringe assembly including a plunger rod (14) separate and detached from a syringe barrel (12) and a packaging member, the plunger rod having a sealing member and the packaging member having a first compartment (96) and a second compartment (98) is disclosed. With the syringe barrel (12) received within the first compartment (96) and the plunger rod (14) received within the second compartment (98), the sealing member (66) of the plunger rod seals the syringe barrel and the plunger rod (14) within the packaging member. In this manner, the syringe assembly is placed in the packaging member in a manner that allows for reduced storage space of the syringe assembly. In one embodiment, the syringe assembly includes an engagement portion connected to the plunger rod and a stopper slidably disposed within the interior of the syringe barrel, the engagement portion operable to secure the plunger rod to the stopper. In this manner, upon removal of the plunger rod and the syringe barrel from the packaging member, the plunger rod can quickly and easily be secured to the syringe barrel via the stopper for collecting a fluid and/or delivering a fluid.