Syringe Adapter Membrane Sealing for Hazardous Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare providers face risks of exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs during reconstitution, transportation, and administration due to unintentional release of these drugs into the atmosphere, primarily due to pressure differentials between drug vials and the surrounding environment during fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A syringe adapter system with a housing, cannula, and collet that includes a membrane and locking mechanism, which secures the cannula within the adapter to prevent leakage and exposure by moving from an open position to a closed position, ensuring leak-proof sealing during fluid transfer between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a needle is used to transfer solvent from one container to a sealed vial, then fluid transfer can be achieved, but unintentional release of drugs into the atmosphere may occur due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is nested within the collet structure, with the collet receiving and securing the membrane in place. This nested arrangement allows the membrane to be integrated into the existing adapter components without adding significant external complexity, while providing reliable sealing to prevent drug release.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible membrane is used to create a seal within the collet assembly. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the sealing surfaces and maintain a leak-proof barrier between the vial interior and exterior environments, preventing unintended drug release during fluid transfer operations.
2Reliability
If the collet is moved to the second position to restrict radially outward movement of the locking member, then leak-proof sealing is achieved, but the device requires more complex positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is designed to be movable between different positions, transitioning from a first position where the locking member can expand radially outward to a second position where radially outward movement is restricted. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve reliable sealing when needed while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the collet and the membrane sealing system. By controlling the radially outward movement of the locking member, the system mediates between the need for easy collet handling and the requirement for secure membrane engagement to prevent leakage.
3Ease of operation
If friction between the cannula and membrane is reduced with lubricant, then smoother operation is achieved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied directly to the cannula or membrane surfaces to reduce friction during operation. This self-service approach allows the existing components to function more smoothly without requiring additional mechanical elements, reducing pins, springs, or complex actuating mechanisms that would otherwise be needed to achieve smooth cannula movement.
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 system effectively prevents both air and liquid leakage during fluid transfer, reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs and ensuring a safer handling environment for healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
The system effectively prevents both air and liquid leakage during fluid transfer
Implementation Method 2
a locking member connected to the body of the collet, the collet being movable from a first position where the locking member is open to receive a mating connector to a second position where radially outward movement of the locking member is restricted
Implementation Method 3
At least a portion of at least one of the cannula and the membrane may include a lubricant configured to reduce friction between the cannula and the membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end with the first end configured to be secured to a first container, a cannula having a first end and a second end with the second end of the cannula positioned within the housing, and a collet having a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the collet is received within the housing. The collet includes a body defining a passageway, a membrane received by the passageway, and a locking member connected to the body of the collet. The membrane has a body with a first end and a second end. The body of the membrane defines a passageway. The collet is movable from a first position where the locking member is open to receive a mating connector to a second position where radially outward movement of the locking member is restricted.