Plunger Rod Coupling Cradle for Variable-Fill Syringe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling a plunger rod to a syringe assembly are inefficient, particularly for small batches and require a skilled operator to manage the changeover process, and existing systems fail to accommodate variations in fill levels, and existing systems fail to adapt to accommodate variations in fill levels, and existing systems fail to accommodate variations in fill levels, and existing systems fail to accommodate variations in fill levels.
Innovation Solution
A system for coupling a plunger rod to a syringe assembly includes a carriage having a movable cradle with a seat portion sized to receive a syringe assembly and an aperture portion sized to receive a plunger rod, an actuating device operatively coupled to the carriage to move the cradle from a first position to a second position to couple the plunger rod to the syringe assembly, and a pressure plate positioned adjacent to the carriage to apply a downward force to the plunger rod as the cradle moves from the first position to the second position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a single automated device is used to handle multiple syringe assembly sizes, then automation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple cradles and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable cradles that can be reconfigured to accommodate different syringe assembly sizes. The cradles include adjustable components such as movable arms and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms that allow a single cradle structure to adapt to various syringe dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size cradles while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device is designed with universal cradles that can handle multiple syringe assembly sizes through a single device. The cradle structure incorporates multi-functional features including adjustable positioning systems, interchangeable components, and flexible gripping mechanisms that enable one cradle to perform the function of multiple specialized cradles, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving automation benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized carriages are used for different syringe sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual carriage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The cradles incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to reconfigure the cradle geometry and positioning features on-demand to match different syringe assembly sizes. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need to manually change entire cradle assemblies, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility across different syringe formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the cradle configuration to adapt to different syringe sizes. By adjusting parameters such as cradle arm length, positioning coordinates, and gripping force, the same cradle structure can accommodate various syringe dimensions without requiring physical replacement of the cradle assembly, thereby improving operational ease while preserving adaptability.
3Device complexity
If manual intervention is used to change carriages, then device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming carriage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamically reconfigurable cradles can be adjusted during the automated plunger rod coupling process without requiring manual intervention or stopping the automated sequence. The cradle adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the automated device architecture, allowing rapid reconfiguration between different syringe sizes while maintaining continuous automated operation, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine for coupling a plunger rod to a syringe assembly may include a carriage including a cradle having a seat portion sized to receive a syringe assembly and an aperture portion disposed above the seat portion and sized to receive a plunger rod. An actuating device may be operatively coupled to the carriage and adapted to move the cradle from a first position to a second position to couple the plunger rod to the syringe assembly The carriage may be selected from separate and interchangeable first and second carriages, wherein the first carriage includes a cradle adapted to receive a syringe assembly of a first size and the second carriage including a cradle sized to receive a syringe assembly of a second size that is different from the first size.