Spring-Actuated Plunger Rod for Compact Syringe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pre-filled syringes occupy significant storage space and are vulnerable to tampering due to their size and design, necessitating a solution that reduces packaging footprint and enhances tamper-proofing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pre-filled syringe assembly with a spring-actuated plunger rod that transitions from a collapsed to an extended ready-to-use position, featuring a telescopic inner and outer sleeve system with a holding mechanism and locking features to prevent unintended actuation and tampering, along with a tamper-indicating packaging system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pre-filled syringes are used with extended plunger rods, then the syringes are ready for immediate use, but they occupy significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger rod is designed with telescopic inner and outer sleeves that can be nested within each other. The inner sleeve containing the spring can be retracted into the outer sleeve, significantly reducing the overall length of the plunger rod for compact storage while maintaining full functionality when extended for use
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pre-filled syringes are used, then they provide standard functionality, but they are vulnerable to tampering and unintended actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed and locked in the collapsed position by the holding mechanism before use. The locking feature engages with the track to prevent unintended actuation, and the tamper-indicating feature is prepared to detect any unauthorized access, ensuring the syringe remains secure until intended use
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper-indicating feature includes a color-changing element that provides visual indication when the syringe has been tampered with or opened, allowing users to immediately identify compromised syringes through color differentiation
3Productivity
If the plunger rod is extended for use, then it can deliver medication effectively, but it increases the packaging footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sleeve structure allows the plunger rod to be compacted into a small footprint for packaging and storage, while the same structure enables full extension when needed for medication delivery, effectively decoupling the storage size from the operational size
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 solution reduces storage space requirements by allowing for uniform and compact stacking of syringes while effectively preventing tampering through secure locking mechanisms and tamper-indicating features.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel defining a chamber having a stopper therein is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a plunger rod associated with the stopper, the plunger rod includes an outer sleeve having a distal end interconnected to the stopper and a sidewall portion defining an opening therein. The plunder rod also includes an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve including a longitudinally extending track in alignment with the opening in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the outer sleeve. The plunger rod also includes a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve. The syringe assembly further includes a holding mechanism associated with the plunger rod and configured for cooperation with the inner and outer sleeves. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves causes the plunger rod to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position.