Serially Connectable Drug Modules for Needle-Stick Risk Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug compounding methods for intravenous infusion are cumbersome, risky, and wasteful, particularly when combining multiple drugs, and often require complex machinery that leads to drug waste and environmental hazards.

Innovation Solution

A modular system of drug modules with adjustable vial retainers, cannulas, and serially connectable chambers for drug vials, allowing for automated combination and delivery of multiple drugs, reducing the need for complex machinery and minimizing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual drug compounding is performed using multiple needles and vials, then drug preparation can be completed, but the risk of needle-stick injuries and exposure to toxic drugs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug preparation processVSAvoidneedle-stick injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the drug compounding process into separate modular components (vial holder, transfer mechanism, infusion bag interface) that can be assembled and used in a standardized sequence, reducing the need for multiple manual needle insertions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sterile transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between drug vials and the infusion bag, eliminating direct needle-stick exposure by using a closed-system transfer protocol where drugs are moved through sealed connections rather than open needle transfers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pharmacy compounding machines are used to automate drug preparation, then exposure risks are reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepractitioner exposure riskVSAvoidcompounding machine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into simple, discrete modules (vial holder, transfer set, infusion bag interface) that can be used in sequence without requiring complex integrated machinery, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-system transfer mechanism is designed to self-seal and self-connect through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, and automated actuators required in traditional compounding machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex pharmacy compounding machines are used for drug combination, then preparation accuracy is improved, but drug waste increases due to discarded unused solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug compounding accuracyVSAvoidunused drug solution

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous transfer of drugs from vials through the transfer mechanism directly into the infusion bag without interruption, allowing complete utilization of drug contents without the need to discard partial vials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized transfer protocol creates a reproducible method for drug combination that maintains precision without requiring expensive specialized equipment, enabling accurate compounding through simple standardized procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate drug vials are used for combination therapy, then synergistic drug effects are achieved, but the number of needles and manipulation steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombinatorial drug deliveryVSAvoidnumber of manipulation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer mechanism is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple different vial types and drug formulations, enabling combination of any number of drugs through the same standardized process without requiring specialized equipment for each drug type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple drug transfers are merged into a single continuous operation using the standardized transfer mechanism, where all drugs are sequentially added to the same infusion bag through one integrated process rather than separate manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4282393B1Serially-connectable drug modules for combinatorial drug delivery device

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO

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AI summary

A combinatorial drug delivery device is provided for delivering a predetermined selection of drug components, each of the drug components being contained in a drug vial. The device includes a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules includes: a body having an interior volume formed to accommodate a drug vial; a cannula protruding into the interior volume, the cannula terminating at a free end, first and second openings being formed in the free end with first and second lumens extending therefrom and through the cannula; a socket located on an exterior portion of the body; a first passageway extending between, and in communication with, the socket and the first lumen; a boss protruding from an exterior portion of the body; and, a second passageway extending from, and in communication with the second lumen, the second passageway extending through the boss to terminate at an exit opening formed therein.