Straight Transfer Duct with Integrated Needle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transferring media, such as liquids, from containers in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications face challenges in minimizing contamination risks and are not economically or practically efficient due to complex designs and materials usage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a simpler, rectilinear transfer duct design that uses dedicated locking means on the driving unit, eliminating the need for a bent portion, allowing for overmolding of the septum and needle, enhancing sealing and wear resistance, and enabling easier manipulation and increased safety by locking the needle in its working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bent portion is added to the duct to provide locking function, then the needle can be locked in waiting position, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the duct structure and transferred to a separate locking means mechanism. The duct is simplified to a straight configuration while the locking means, integrated with the driving unit, provides the necessary locking functionality through a distinct locking mechanism that engages with the magazine.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functional modules: the duct handles medium transfer, while the locking means (integrated with the driving unit) handles the locking function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the duct for simple medium transfer and the locking means for reliable positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bent portion is included in the duct to lock the needle, then contamination risk is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the duct and placed in dedicated locking means. This allows the duct to be manufactured as a simple straight component using standard processes, while the locking means provides contamination prevention through a separate, optimized locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer element with its duct and locking means is designed as a disposable unit. The simple straight duct can be efficiently manufactured and disposed of after single use, with the locking means providing necessary protection during the brief operational period.
3Ease of manufacture
If the duct is made simpler and rectilinear, then manufacturing becomes easier and costs decrease, but the locking function must be provided elsewhere
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is merged with the driving unit, combining two functional elements (driving and locking) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the simplicity of the rectilinear duct design.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to drive the needle for medium transfer and to provide the locking function through integrated locking means. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If dedicated locking means are used instead of a bent duct, then the duct can be overmolded with the septum and needle, but the locking means must be integrated into the driving unit
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are merged with the driving unit, allowing both components to be manufactured together through overmolding. This integration enables the duct, septum, and driving unit to be produced as a single molded piece, simplifying manufacturing while the locking function remains embedded in the driving unit structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine (2) and at least one transfer element (3) for transfer of said medium, said transfer element (3) comprising a duct (45) for transfer of said medium provided at one end with a needle (31), a septum (32), and a maneuvering unit (33) of said needle (31), said transfer element (3) also comprising means for locking (61, 65) adapted to cooperate with complementary locking means (15) of said magazine (2) to lock said needle (31) in a waiting position, said locking means (61, 62, 65) belonging to said maneuvering unit (33) and cooperating with said complementary locking means (15) at a location of said magazine (2) distinct from the location through which said duct (45) issues from the cavity (20), at the opposite end from the needle (31).