Segmented Syringe Finger Flange for Secure Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing syringe designs face challenges in securely mounting a finger flange without requiring high accuracy in the outer geometry of the syringe body, ensuring it remains locked and resistant to unintentional disassembly or rotation, while also being cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production.

Innovation Solution

A syringe with a finger flange comprising two movably connected elements that can be easily assembled and locked into a closed position, featuring a recess for the piston rod and a design that prevents axial shifting, allowing for secure attachment and easy handling, with the option for elastic material in the recess for backstop functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a finger flange is pushed axially onto the syringe body and locked by widening an opening, then the finger flange can be securely mounted, but high accuracy in the outer geometry of the syringe body is required which increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of finger flangeVSAvoidaccuracy of outer geometry of syringe body
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The finger flange is divided into two separable elements: a first element with a recess that receives the syringe body, and a second element that closes the opening. This segmentation allows the mounting mechanism to be divided into insertion (first element) and locking (second element) phases, reducing the precision required for the overall mounting process while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first element is designed with a recess that preliminarily receives and positions the syringe body before the second element is attached. This preliminary action establishes the correct positioning and reduces the precision requirements for the final locking step, as the initial recess already provides alignment and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a finger flange is designed as a multi-part structure for easy assembly, then assembly effort is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex leading to increased storage and logistics effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effort of finger flangeVSAvoidmulti-part structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The finger flange is segmented into exactly two elements - a first element with a recess for receiving the syringe body and a second element for closing the opening. This minimal segmentation provides the necessary assembly simplicity while avoiding the complexity of multi-part structures with multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two elements of the finger flange are designed to combine into a unified structure that functions as a complete mounting mechanism. The first element provides reception and positioning, while the second element provides closure and locking, together forming an integrated solution that balances simplicity with functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a finger flange is made as a single integral component, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production is simplified, but it cannot be easily disassembled or replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing cost and production simplicityVSAvoiddisassembly and replacement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The finger flange is segmented into two elements that can be manufactured separately using simple, cost-effective processes and then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling easy disassembly and replacement, as the elements can be independently produced and recombined as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The finger flange transitions from a static, permanently fixed structure to a dynamic, reversible assembly. The two elements are designed to be easily connected and disconnected, allowing the finger flange to adapt between different syringe bodies or be replaced if needed, while maintaining a stable locked state during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the finger flange opening is widened to allow pushing onto the syringe body, then assembly is simplified, but the finger flange becomes less secure against unintentional disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicity of finger flangeVSAvoidsecurity against unintentional disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The finger flange is segmented into a first element with a recess and a second closing element. The recess allows easy insertion of the syringe body, while the separate second element can be designed to provide secure locking through features like interference fits, friction engagement, or positive locking mechanisms that prevent unintentional disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first element with its recess performs the preliminary action of receiving and positioning the syringe body in a simple, low-force operation. The second element then performs the securing action, applying sufficient force or creating mechanical interlocking to prevent disassembly, thereby separating the insertion and securing functions into distinct steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3020432B1Syringe with finger flange and finger flange
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 SCHOTT SCHWEIZ
  • EP3020432B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3020432B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3020432B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a syringe with a finger flange and a finger rest. The invention further relates to such a finger flange. The finger flange comprises a radially projecting support surface for a finger and is connected to the syringe body at its proximal end. The finger flange according to the invention is furthermore formed in one piece and comprises at least two finger flange elements which are movably connected to one another. In this way, the finger flange can be very easily mounted on the syringe body.