Spring-Loaded Vial Holder for Stable One-Handed Medication Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial handling methods in medical settings are inefficient and pose risks such as needle stick injuries due to manual handling and lack of stable support, leading to increased labor demands and procedural disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A vial holder with a spring assembly and support structures that allows for secure, autonomous vial management, reducing the need for manual assistance and enhancing structural integrity and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual vial handling is used, then personnel can administer medication, but additional personnel are required and needle stick injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vial holder is designed to autonomously secure and release vials without requiring an assistant to manually hold them. The spring-loaded clamp mechanism automatically engages with the vial when inserted and releases it when the plunger is actuated, enabling the healthcare worker to independently perform medication withdrawal tasks that traditionally required two people.
2Productivity
If manual vial handling is used, then medication can be administered, but needle stick injuries to assisting personnel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates the need for an assistant to manually stabilize the vial, thereby removing the assistant from proximity to the needle and eliminating their exposure to needle stick injuries. The autonomous clamping mechanism allows the administering healthcare worker to maintain safe distance while the device handles vial positioning.
3Ease of operation
If non-specialized holders are used, then vial support is provided, but structural integrity and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features a curved, arc-shaped clamping surface that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the vial. This curved geometry provides optimal contact points around the vial's circumference, distributing holding forces evenly and preventing slippage or accidental dislodgement during medication withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamp is pre-loaded with sufficient force to securely grip the vial as soon as it is inserted into the holder. This preliminary clamping action ensures the vial is stabilized before any needle insertion or medication withdrawal operations begin, preventing movement or instability during the procedure.
4Productivity
If manual vial handling is used, then vials can be accessed, but workflow efficiency is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The vial holder pre-positions and pre-secures the vial in an optimal location for medication access before the healthcare worker begins the procedure. The spring clamp is already engaged and ready to grip, eliminating the time that would otherwise be spent manually positioning and stabilizing the vial during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger mechanism provides dynamic, one-handed control over the clamp's opening and closing actions. The healthcare worker can quickly actuate the plunger to release the vial when needed, enabling rapid transitions between multiple vials without disrupting the overall workflow or requiring complex manual dexterity.
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 vial holder minimizes needle stick injuries and improves operational efficiency by ensuring secure vial retention and reducing manual handling, thereby enhancing safety and workflow efficiency in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The spring assembly is engineered to offer controlled and reliable vial retention
Data Source
AI summary
A vial holder comprising a wall panel with recesses for fastening, a vial receiving section, and a spring assembly with rods and springs operable via a handle, where the assembly transitions a support bar between open and closed positions. A bottom panel features a vial recess to secure a vial during use.