Syringe-Actuator Coupling with Play-Free Hook Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated devices for administering radiopharmaceutical doses face challenges in achieving precise dosing, ergonomic design, and reliable coupling of syringes to actuators, particularly in systems where the coupling mechanism requires active components and allows for play between the pusher button and actuator.
Innovation Solution
A reversible coupling system for syringes and actuators using a device with an internal body and outer sleeve, featuring pivoting hooks and a prestressed spring mechanism that ensures play-free locking and unlocking of the pusher button, facilitated by a force sensor for monitoring coupling and injection forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling mechanism with active components is used to ensure reliable locking, then the reliability of coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism automatically locks when the syringe is inserted by a predetermined distance, without requiring active components or manual intervention. The elastic element and hooks self-engage to secure the pusher button to the actuator, eliminating the need for complex active locking systems while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active mechanical locking systems with a passive elastic element-based mechanism. The elastic element stores mechanical energy and automatically engages the hooks with the pusher button, substituting sophisticated active control with simple elastic-mechanical interaction
2Ease of operation
If a coupling mechanism with play is used to allow for misalignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of dose delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the elastic element flexes during insertion. The play in the mechanism is temporarily utilized during the coupling process, then eliminated during dosing when the elastic element tensions and locks the position, achieving both ease of operation and precision
3Reliability
If a complex active coupling mechanism is used to ensure secure locking, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism automatically locks when the syringe is inserted by a predetermined distance, without requiring active components or manual intervention. The elastic element and hooks self-engage to secure the pusher button to the actuator, eliminating the need for complex active locking systems while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a disposable component that is simple in construction, using basic elastic elements and hooks rather than complex reusable mechanisms. This simplifies the coupling operation while ensuring reliable locking for the duration of use
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
Enables precise, rapid, and reliable coupling and decoupling of syringes from actuators, ensuring accurate dose delivery without play, and allows for automatic operation independent of operator dexterity, with integrated force monitoring for safety and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a prestressed spring so as to eliminate any play between the pusher button and the coupling device
Implementation Method 2
the hooks of a same pair being connected together at their distal end by a return spring
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reversibly coupling a syringe for injecting a calibrated product to an actuator, including the actuator, the syringe provided with a pusher having a pusher button and a coupling device, the coupling device including an internal body with longitudinal axis and an outer sleeve intended to move with respect to the internal body along the longitudinal axis, the internal body including a sliding pin ending with a play-take-up plate that is held longitudinally inside the internal body in a rest position by a prestressed spring as well as at least one pair of hooks arranged longitudinally inside the internal body, mounted pivoting and retractable two by two with respect to two respective pins perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an external part of the hooks being located opposite an internal part of the sleeve, the hooks of a same pair each having a zone for hooking.