Disposable Syringe with Segmented Sub-Chambers for Precise Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing the desired amount of chemically unstable filling compounds without complex warehousing or compliance with costly safety regulations, especially when needing small or irregular amounts, leading to inefficiencies and waste due to pre-filled syringes with specified volumes.

Innovation Solution

A syringe design with two sub-chambers for separate components, connected to a cartridge via tubular connectors, allowing for precise filling and mixing, with a mixer and transparent housing for visual fill level monitoring, enabling partial filling and reducing waste by using a cartridge with multiple times the syringe's volume for efficient use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pre-filled syringes with specified volumes are used, then the user has the filling material available immediately, but the user cannot adjust the fill volume for different application requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate availability of filling materialVSAvoidadjustability of fill volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The syringe reservoir is divided into multiple separate compartments, each containing a different flowable component. This segmentation allows the user to fill only the compartments needed for their specific application, enabling both immediate availability and volume adjustability by selecting and filling appropriate compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The syringe system transitions from a static pre-filled configuration to a dynamic fillable system where compartments can be selectively filled based on application requirements. The dual-nozzle docking element enables flexible filling operations, allowing the system to adapt to different fill volume needs while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a reservoir of filling material is kept on hand for immediate filling, then the user can fill syringes as needed, but the user must comply with costly safety regulations and storage facilities for hazardous materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to fill syringes as neededVSAvoidstorage facility and safety regulation compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling material is extracted from the syringe and placed in separate, secure compartments within the reservoir. This extraction allows the material to be stored safely in a compact form, eliminating the need for expensive storage facilities and safety regulations while maintaining the ability to fill syringes as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The syringe is designed as a disposable unit with compartments that can be filled and then discarded after use. This eliminates the need for permanent storage facilities and safety infrastructure, as each syringe is a self-contained, single-use unit that doesn't require ongoing compliance with hazardous material storage regulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If pre-filled syringes are used, then the user avoids storage and safety compliance costs, but the user experiences waste when needing smaller or irregular amounts of filling material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage and safety compliance costsVSAvoidwaste of filling material
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each compartment in the reservoir is designed with specific capacity and is filled selectively based on the local requirement of the application. This local quality approach allows the user to fill only the compartments needed for their specific task, preventing waste while avoiding storage compliance costs through the disposable nature of the syringe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows partial filling of compartments rather than requiring full pre-filled syringes. The user can fill only the necessary amount of material into the appropriate compartments, using partial action to avoid waste while maintaining the simplicity of the disposable syringe system without storage compliance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pre-filled syringes with varying volumes are kept in stock, then the user can meet different application requirements, but the user faces increased storage space requirements and faster expiration of chemically unstable materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeeting different application requirementsVSAvoidstorage space for syringe inventory
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir is segmented into multiple compartments that can be filled with different volumes of flowable components based on application requirements. This segmentation allows the user to store multiple configurations in a single compact unit, reducing storage space while maintaining versatility and preventing material expiration through controlled access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows preliminary filling of compartments with different volumes before use. The user can prepare the syringe with the exact volumes needed for different applications in advance, eliminating the need to store multiple pre-filled syringes and reducing both storage space requirements and material expiration risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables users to have the desired amount of filling compound available with reduced storage needs and compliance costs, minimizing waste by allowing precise filling and efficient use of chemically unstable materials, particularly beneficial for small or irregular needs.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second pistons are movable by means of a plunger to discharge the two components simultaneously. The first and second pistons are movable by means of a plunger under pressure in such a way that the filling volume in each of the first and second sub-chambers decreases.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure application: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2410940B1Syringe for one-time use
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 SULZER MIXPAC AG
  • EP2410940B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2410940B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2410940B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a syringe (1) specified for one-time dosing of a filling material (15) comprising a storage chamber (5, 6, 7) for accommodating the filling material (15), wherein the storage chamber (5) has an outlet end (28) for discharging the filling material and a delivery end (29) that is opposite the outlet end (28), wherein the storage chamber (5, 6, 7) comprises a sealable outlet element (13) so that the filling material can be stored in the storage chamber (5, 6, 7). There is a docking element (10) for connecting the storage chamber (5, 6, 7) to a cartridge (2) for filling the storage chamber (5, 6, 7) with the filling material (15).