Automated Reconstitution Device with Spring-Actuated Pressure Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for reconstituting injection solutions, such as those involving lyophilized medications, require numerous manual steps and can be prone to errors due to complexity and the need for separate component handling, leading to increased operational expenditure and risk of contamination.

Innovation Solution

A compact device with a flexible bag and dispensing unit housed together, utilizing pressure plates and a spring mechanism for automated liquid transfer, simplifying the reconstitution process by minimizing manual dexterity requirements and reducing component handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for reconstitution, then flexibility in substance selection is improved, but device complexity and number of operating steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in substance selectionVSAvoidnumber of operating steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (flexible bag, dispensing device, pressure plate, housing) into a single integrated reconstitution device. The flexible bag is positioned within the housing, the pressure plate is integrated into the housing structure, and the dispensing device is removably mounted in the housing, creating a unified system that reduces the number of separate operating steps while maintaining flexibility in substance selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used for reconstitution, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of contamination and faulty manipulations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidrisk of contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the flexible bag, pressure plate, and dispensing device within a single housing, the patent creates a more reliable system that reduces the risk of contamination. The housing provides a protected environment for all components, eliminating the need for multiple separate handling operations that could introduce contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If separate components are stored separately, then component protection is improved, but overall expenditure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidoverall expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple components into a single integrated device with a common housing, reducing the overall expenditure associated with storing and managing multiple separate components. The housing provides unified protection for all components while eliminating the need for separate storage solutions for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If manual handling steps are increased, then precision in liquid transfer is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in liquid transferVSAvoidmanual dexterity requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure plate is spring-loaded and automatically actuates to dispense the liquid from the flexible bag into the dispensing device, eliminating the need for manual pressing operations. The spring mechanism provides consistent force for precise liquid transfer while requiring minimal manual intervention from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies and automates the reconstitution process, reducing the number of operating steps, enhancing safety, and protecting components from contamination and damage, while ensuring consistent and controlled liquid transfer into a syringe.

Implementation Method 1

The housing (2) comprises a spring mechanism (16) which serves as driving means for the pressure plate arrangement (7, 7')

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The hydraulic pressure for the transfer of the liquid is applied by at least one pressure plate (7, 7') which is pressable against the bag (3) for squeezing out the bag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS9801789B2Device for bringing together substances, in particular for reconstitution of injection solutions

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 SHL MEDICAL AG

AI summary

The device (1) has a housing (2), and a flexible bag arranged in the housing and intended to receive a liquid. A dispensing device, in particular an injection syringe (5), is also arranged in the housing, so that it is removable from the housing. A transfer channel (6) serves for direct or indirect transfer of the liquid from the bag into the dispensing device. At least one pressure plate (7) is also provided, which can be pressed against the bag in order to empty the bag. The pressure plate is preferably activated via a spring mechanism (16), which serves as energy accumulator. The device, according to the invention, makes it possible, with a few manoeuvres, to prepare an injection liquid and deliver it to the injection syringe, with the substances being brought together by a largely automated procedure.