Pressure-Regulating Vial Adaptors for Filtered Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for extracting medicinal fluids from vials face issues with pressure differentials leading to fluid leakage, inaccurate withdrawal, and contamination risks due to airborne pathogens in ambient air used to equalize pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-regulating vial adaptor with a regulator enclosure that expands or contracts to equilibrate pressure, incorporating a hydrophobic filter and a flexible regulator channel to manage fluid withdrawal and introduction, minimizing leakage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If ambient air is used to equalize pressure within vials, then pressure equilibrium is achieved, but contamination from airborne pathogens occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulator assembly as an intermediary component between the vial and the external environment. This regulator assembly includes a filter element that mediates the pressure equalization process by allowing pressure balance while blocking airborne pathogens, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving pressure equilibrium and preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled internal environment within the regulator enclosure that acts as a protective barrier. By maintaining a sealed environment with controlled atmosphere inside the regulator enclosure, the system prevents harmful airborne contaminants from reaching the vial contents while still allowing pressure equalization through the filter.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid housing is used to contain regulator enclosure, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility to expand and contract is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into two distinct segments: a rigid outer housing that provides structural stability and containment, and a separate flexible regulator enclosure that can expand and contract. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible regulator enclosure that can deform to accommodate volume changes, while the rigid housing provides external structural support. The flexible enclosure acts as a thin film or shell within the rigid housing, allowing the system to maintain both structural stability and the ability to expand/contract as needed.
3Strength
If regulator enclosure is placed within rigid housing, then protection from external damage is improved, but volume for regulator fluid is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal volume by placing the regulator enclosure as a separate, flexible chamber within the rigid housing. This segmentation allows the regulator enclosure to be positioned to optimize both protection and available volume, ensuring sufficient space for regulator fluid while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible regulator enclosure that can dynamically adjust its volume within the rigid housing. This dynamic flexibility allows the enclosure to maximize its internal volume for regulator fluid storage while still being protected by the rigid housing from external damage, resolving the contradiction between protection and volume.
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 adaptor effectively regulates pressure within vials, ensuring accurate fluid withdrawal and reducing contamination risks by maintaining pressure equilibrium and preventing the introduction of harmful substances.
Implementation Method 1
a regulator enclosure configured to expand or contract to equilibrate pressure
Implementation Method 2
The filter can be configured to permit regulator fluid to flow between the regulator enclosure and the vial
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the regulator assembly includes a flexible member configured to expand and contract in accordance with changes in the volume of the medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the flexible member is substantially free to expand and contract. In some embodiments, the flexible member is not partly or completely located in a rigid enclosure