Sterile Drop Dispenser with Antimicrobial Check Valve Spout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plural-use drop-by-drop dispensers for sterile liquid products, such as collyrium, face contamination issues due to residual product left outside the filter after dispensing, which can be contaminated by outside air, leading to potential contamination during subsequent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The dispenser incorporates a cartridge with an end filter-holding bottom element featuring a drop-by-drop dispensing spout made of antimicrobial material with elastically flexible converging lips that open under pressure and hermetically reclose, along with a removable protecting cover to maintain sterility and prevent contamination by keeping the spout tightly closed between dispensing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the dispenser uses a valve device with an elastically deformable closing element that automatically recloses after dispensing, then the dispensing operation is simplified and productivity is improved, but liquid residues remain outside the filter and can be contaminated by outside air, compromising product sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into two separate closure mechanisms: a first closure element (valve device) for controlling liquid flow during dispensing, and a second closure element (spout lips) for hermetically sealing the downstream area. This segmentation allows the first element to enable efficient automatic reclosure while the second element specifically addresses sterility by preventing air contamination of residual liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilizing filter acts as an intermediary element between the liquid product and the downstream area. It physically separates the sterile product from potential contaminants while allowing controlled passage of liquid during dispensing. The filter's position and design ensure that residual liquid outside the filter is isolated from the main product volume.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing spout remains open after dispensing to allow easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but outside air can contaminate the liquid product and residual areas, worsening product sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The spout lips are designed as elastically flexible elements that dynamically respond to pressure changes. During dispensing, they open to allow liquid flow; after dispensing, they automatically return to a closed position to seal the downstream area. This dynamic behavior provides both ease of operation during use and sterility protection at rest.
Solution Approach 2:
The downstream area behind the sterilizing filter is maintained as a protected, sterile environment. The hermetic closure by the spout lips prevents outside air from entering this protected zone, effectively creating an inert atmosphere that preserves product sterility between dispensing operations.
3Productivity
If residual liquid remains outside the filter after dispensing, then the dispensing function is complete, but the residual liquid can be contaminated by outside air, leading to product contamination at successive dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilizing filter, which naturally allows some liquid to pass through during dispensing, is positioned and designed so that any residual liquid outside the filter is trapped in a sealed downstream area. The potential harm of residual liquid exposure is converted into a benefit by using the filter's position to define a contained zone that can be hermetically sealed, preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The spout lips provide a simple, effective hermetic seal that can be easily implemented as a disposable or single-use feature. This simple mechanical solution effectively prevents contamination without requiring complex sterilization systems, aligning with the principle of using simple, effective components for critical functions.
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
This design ensures the area downstream of the cartridge filter remains sterile, preventing the return of liquid residues and air, thus avoiding contamination during subsequent dispensing operations and maintaining the product's sterility.
Implementation Method 1
elastically flexible converging lips, which open under pressure of the liquid product during dispensing operation and elastically hermetically reclose at the end of the dispensing operation
Implementation Method 2
a cartridge with tubular tang and sterilizing filter
Implementation Method 3
The converging lips of the dispensing spout in essence form a check valve which keeps the area downstream of the cartridge filter sterile and simultaneously prevents the return of liquid residues and/or air therein
Data Source
AI summary
A plural-use drop-by-drop dispenser for sterile liquid product comprises a vial (1) for containment of the liquid product (2) and a connector (4) provided with a plug (8) which is normally hermetically closed and with a cartridge (19) with sterilizing filter (24) which can be axially moved to force open said plug (8) to dispense the liquid product and allow the hermetic reclosure thereof at the end of dispensing. The cartridge (19) is provided with a filter-holding bottom element (25) provided with a dispensing spout (26), possibly in antimicrobic material, with elastically flexible converging lips (27), which open under pressure of the liquid product (2) for drop-by-drop dispensing thereof and elastically hermetically reclose at the end of the dispensing operation.