Rotating Valve Assembly for Multicomponent Syringe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicomponent dispensing devices with valve assemblies are complex and inefficient, particularly in mixing and dispensing liquids and powders, as they require multiple valve positions and can result in pressure loss and volume loss during operations.
Innovation Solution
A simplified valve assembly with a valve body and sealing disk that uses a bayonet ring for secure attachment, featuring rotating positions for closing, aspirating, transferring, and dispensing functions, ensuring straight-line operations and minimizing pressure and volume loss, utilizing a softer material for the sealing disk to maintain sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional valve assembly with multiple valve positions is used for multicomponent dispensing, then the device can perform closing, aspirating, transferring, and dispensing functions, but the device complexity increases and pressure loss occurs during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (closing, aspirating, transferring, dispensing) into a single integrated valve assembly with a unified body and sealing disk design. The sealing disk with its specific geometry integrates multiple sealing surfaces and flow paths into one component, eliminating the need for separate valve mechanisms for each function, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional component where the sealing disk can perform all four essential operations (closing, aspirating, transferring, dispensing) by rotating to different positions. The single valve body with integrated flow paths and sealing surfaces serves multiple purposes, making the valve assembly universally applicable for all multicomponent dispensing operations without requiring additional specialized components
2Reliability
If liquid is transferred through curved paths in traditional valve assemblies, then the valve can seal effectively, but volume loss and pressure loss occur during transfer and dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using curved transfer paths that require larger sealing surfaces, the patent inverts the approach by implementing straight-line transfer paths from container to needle. The sealing disk geometry is specifically designed with linear flow channels that maintain effective sealing through direct contact surfaces while eliminating the volume and pressure losses associated with curved path transfers
3Strength
If a harder material is used for the sealing disk, then the valve structure becomes more durable, but sealing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by specifying that the sealing disk be made of softer material specifically at the sealing contact surfaces, while the overall valve body maintains appropriate structural strength. This localized material property differentiation ensures that the softer sealing surfaces conform better to mating surfaces for improved sealing efficiency, while the valve body structure remains durable through its overall design and material selection
Data Source
AI summary
A two-component syringe is provided with a valve assembly having a common inlet/outlet, the valve assembly being designed to selectively close the containers of the syringe or allow a liquid from the outside to be aspirated into one of the containers via the common inlet/outlet or connect the two containers to each other or allow a mixture to be dispensed through the common inlet/outlet. This valve assembly is composed of a valve body provided with a sealing disk having channels that are arranged such that the connections are established or interrupted when the valve body is rotated. The design of such a valve assembly is simple and cost-efficient, and it allows aspirating liquids into a container and transferring them to another container that holds a powder as well as dispensing multicomponent liquids or pastes efficiently and with minimum pressure and volume losses.