Pneumatic Sterile Liquid Compounding Machine for Small Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated liquid compounding machines are large, complex, and expensive, making them impractical for smaller operations such as small pharmacies and research laboratories, while manual compounding poses risks of fatigue, repetitive stress injuries, and errors due to prolonged manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A compact, user-operated pneumatic sterile liquid compounding device using a frame with sealed crevices, a syringe holder, and pneumatic cylinder to automate the compounding process, incorporating hydrophilic and hydrophobic filters to ensure sterility, and adjustable pressure control for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated liquid compounding machines are used, then operator fatigue and injury risks are reduced, but device size, complexity, and cost increase making them impractical for smaller operations
Solution Approach 1:
The automated compounding machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a frame structure, syringe holder assembly, pneumatic cylinder mechanism, filter system (hydrophilic and hydrophobic filters), and pressure control system. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently maintained or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic cylinder connected to a pressure regulator to automate the plunger movement. Pressurized gas from a cartridge drives the pusher rod to move the plunger, eliminating manual operation while using simple pneumatic components rather than complex automated systems. This provides automation with minimal complexity
2Device complexity
If manual liquid compounding is performed, then device complexity is minimized, but operator fatigue and repetitive stress injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system provides automated service for the compounding process. The pressure regulator and pneumatic cylinder automatically control plunger movement without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing operator fatigue while maintaining a simple device structure that smaller operations can manage
3Productivity
If existing automated systems are deployed, then compounding speed increases, but cost and space requirements become prohibitive for small pharmacies and laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential automated functions needed for compounding speed improvement, eliminating unnecessary complex components found in existing automated systems. The simplified pneumatic system provides adequate automation for small-scale operations without the bloat of commercial systems, reducing cost while maintaining productivity benefits
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 reduces operator fatigue and injury risks, enhances safety and efficiency, and maintains sterility, making it suitable for smaller settings with limited resources and space.
Implementation Method 1
A pneumatic cylinder including a pusher rod may be connected to a pusher plate that may engage the top of the syringe plunger. The machine may be actuated by a user-operator. When moved to a 'DOWN' (lowest) position, the device may engage the pusher plate to move the plunger down to inject the liquid in the syringe into the sterile container.
Implementation Method 2
At the bottom of the syringe barrel, a hydrophilic filter may be connected to a syringe needle via a Luer lock. The syringe needle may be inserted into a sterile container.
Implementation Method 3
A hydrophobic vent filter including a needle may also be also inserted into the sterile container to vent gases exhausted as the liquid, e.g., an unsterilized medicine, is injected into the sterile container. The vent filter prevents bacteria from being introduced into the sterile container via the venting needle.
Implementation Method 4
An exhaust manifold may be connected to the pneumatic cylinder with a hydrophobic exhaust filter to sterilize exhausted gas.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a user operated pneumatic sterile liquid compounding device enables a user to easily and rapidly perform a sterile liquid compounding operation. The frame of the device is configured to receive a syringe with a needle inserted into a sterile vial. A pneumatic cylinder including a pusher rod connected to a pusher plate engages the top of the syringe plunger. Initially a user-operated lever is in an “UP” position. When the lever is moved to a “DOWN” position, the device engages the pusher plate to move the plunger down to inject the liquid in the syringe into the sterile container. The compounding device is powered by pressured gas from a cartridge via an adjustable pressure regulator, a pressure release valve, and a pneumatic cylinder valve connected to the pneumatic cylinder to allow pressured gas applied to the pneumatic cylinder to raise and lower the rod.