Nested Syringe Assembly for Single-Transfer Therapeutic Fluid Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting and concentrating therapeutically active factors from mammalian tissues are inefficient and prone to contamination, making them challenging to execute.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising nested syringes with a locking support cage and clip mechanism that prevents plunger regression during extension, allowing for efficient centrifugation and collection of therapeutic fluids like bone marrow aspirate, reducing the need for multiple transfers and maintaining a vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used for extracting and concentrating therapeutically active factors, then the process can be executed, but the methods are inefficient and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs nested syringes where an inner syringe is positioned within an outer syringe, both contained within a locking cage. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functions (extraction, concentration, transfer) to be performed within a single integrated device, improving efficiency while maintaining a closed system that reduces contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines extraction, concentration, and transfer operations into a single device assembly. The locking cage integrates multiple syringes and plunger control mechanisms, allowing the user to perform multiple steps without transferring samples between separate containers, thereby reducing contamination risk and improving overall process efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple transfers are performed to concentrate therapeutic factors, then concentration can be achieved, but the process becomes challenging and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested syringe configuration allows the inner syringe to be drawn into the outer syringe, enabling concentration of therapeutic factors through a single controlled movement rather than multiple transfers. This reduces device complexity and minimizes contamination risk while achieving the desired concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with nested syringes and locking mechanisms before use. The plunger extension mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing the concentration process to be executed in a single streamlined operation rather than requiring multiple sequential transfer steps, thereby reducing complexity and contamination risk.
3Ease of operation
If the plunger is allowed to regress during extension, then the mechanism remains simple, but vacuum cannot be maintained for effective fluid collection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plunger and the syringe barrel. It provides controlled movement guidance and includes features like ridges that interact with the locking clip to prevent regression. This maintains vacuum integrity while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically maintain vacuum integrity through its geometric features. The ridges on the locking cage and corresponding features on the locking clip create a self-locking arrangement that passively prevents plunger regression without requiring active control or complex additional components, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable vacuum maintenance.
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 device enables simplified and efficient concentration of growth factors, cytokines, and proteins, minimizing contamination risks and maintaining a vacuum for effective therapeutic fluid collection.
Implementation Method 1
centrifuging the syringe assembly to obtain a therapeutic fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for extracting and concentrating therapeutically active factors from mammalian fluids and tissues are described herein.