Rolling Diaphragm Syringe Structure to Minimize Sidewall Pleating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional syringes used in medical procedures are expensive due to material and precision costs, and disposable syringes face issues with pleating or creasing during fluid delivery, necessitating an improved design.
Innovation Solution
A rolling diaphragm syringe with a flexible sidewall that rolls upon itself, reducing pleating and allowing for efficient fluid delivery, combined with a pressure jacket for reusable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid barrel with slidable plunger is used, then fluid delivery precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid barrel with a flexible membrane that forms a collapsible reservoir. The membrane is made of elastomeric material that can be molded into the desired shape and then collapsed to deliver fluid. This flexible structure eliminates the need for precision-machined rigid barrels while maintaining controlled fluid delivery through the membrane's elastic properties and controlled collapse mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static rigid barrel to a dynamic collapsible membrane system. The membrane dynamically changes shape and volume as fluid is delivered, collapsing inward to maintain structural integrity while reducing volume. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve both as reservoir and delivery mechanism, reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a flexible sidewall that rolls upon itself is used, then pleating is minimized, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that is designed to collapse uniformly rather than roll or pleat. The membrane's material properties and geometric design allow it to maintain structural stability during collapse by distributing stresses evenly across its surface, preventing localized folding and pleating that would compromise integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the flexible structure by selecting specific elastomeric materials with appropriate durometer values, thickness, and elastic modulus. These parameter selections ensure the membrane is flexible enough to collapse smoothly without pleating but rigid enough to maintain structural stability during fluid delivery. The membrane thickness and material composition are optimized to balance flexibility and structural integrity.
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 design reduces material costs and minimizes pleating, providing a cost-effective and efficient fluid delivery system suitable for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the sidewall is flexible and rolls upon itself when acted upon by a plunger
Data Source
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AI summary
A rolling diaphragm syringe includes a proximal end having an end wall, a distal end having an open-ended discharge neck, a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a piston engagement portion protruding proximally from a central portion of the end wall and configured for engagement with a piston of a fluid injector. The piston engagement portion has a stem with a first end attached to the end wall, a second end extending proximally from the first end, and at least one protrusion that protrudes radially outward. The sidewall is flexible and rolls upon itself when acted upon by the piston such that an outer surface of the sidewall is folded in a radially inward direction as the piston is advanced from the proximal end to the distal end, and unfolded in a radially outward direction as the piston is retracted from the distal end to the proximal end.