Pressurized Gas Vial Transfer for Diluting and Reconstituting Medication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection devices require pre-filling with injectable medicament and lack efficient systems for transferring, diluting, or reconstituting medications, leading to high manufacturing costs and waste.

Innovation Solution

A pressurized gas powered transfer device with a vial elevator, vial spike, expansion chamber, and puncture tip for transferring liquid medication from a vial to an injection device, incorporating a vial holder, pressurized gas cartridge, and vent filter for mixing and diluting, reducing waste and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer device is designed to transfer, dilute and/or reconstitute medication, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (transfer, dilute, reconstitute) into a single integrated device. The transfer device includes a vial holder, dilution chamber, reconstitution chamber, and injection device all integrated into one system, allowing a healthcare professional to perform multiple operations without switching between separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple medication preparation tasks. The same device can transfer medications, dilute concentrated formulations, and reconstitute lyophilized products, making it applicable to various medication types and clinical scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If pressurized gas is used to transfer medication from vial to injection device, then the transfer efficiency and speed is improved, but the manufacturing cost and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidwaste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pressurized gas (pneumatic system) to transfer medication from the vial to the injection device. The gas pressure drives the liquid medication through the transfer line, enabling rapid and efficient transfer without requiring complex mechanical pumps or multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If a vial elevator mechanism is included to automatically position the vial, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vial elevator mechanism is designed to automatically position the vial in the holder without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts and positions the vial correctly, reducing the operational steps required from the healthcare professional and minimizing the risk of positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the device includes integrated mixing and diluting chambers, then the productivity and time efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mixing and diluting chambers are integrated directly into the device structure, combining multiple functions in a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate mixing devices and reduces the overall time required for medication preparation, though it does increase manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system efficiently transfers, dilutes, or reconstitutes medications with lower waste and manufacturing costs, ensuring reliable operation and reduced environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

pressurized gas cartridge positioned with the interior cavity of the expansion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurized gas: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

A puncture tip is configured to puncture the pressurized gas cartridge when actuated by a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPuncture: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The vial spike is in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the expansion chamber and is configured to be in fluid communication with an injection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4374891B1Pressurized gas powered liquid transfer device and system
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ENABLE INJECTIONS INC
  • EP4374891B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4374891B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4374891B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A transfer device for transferring a medical fluid from a vial to a medical fluid injection device includes a vial holder where a vial spike positioned within the vial holder is configured to enter a vial containing a medical fluid when the vial is inserted into the vial holder. An expansion chamber having an interior cavity is in fluid communication with the vial spike. A pressurized gas cartridge is positioned with the interior cavity of the expansion chamber, while a puncture tip is configured to puncture the pressurized gas cartridge when actuated by a user. The vial spike is also configured to be in fluid communication with an injection device attached to the transfer device.