Syringe Adapter Snap Fit for Injector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current syringe adapters are limited in their ability to connect a wide range of syringe types to front-loading injectors, as they often require specific mounting mechanisms, and there is a need for adapters that can securely attach to non-native syringes without the risk of reuse across patients, ensuring safety and compatibility with various injectors.
Innovation Solution
The development of a syringe assembly with a separately formed adapter consisting of multiple sections that engage via a permanent snap fit, allowing secure connection to the syringe portion and injector interface, ensuring non-removable attachment and preventing cross-contamination by designating each adapter for a single syringe type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanently connected adapter is used to attach to a syringe, then the risk of reuse across patients is eliminated, but the complexity of the device increases due to the permanent connection mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be separately formed and then permanently connected. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for specific functions while enabling permanent attachment through mechanisms like snap fits or interference fits between sections, thereby eliminating reuse risk while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter sections are designed to nest within or around each other, with the first section engaging the syringe, the second section engaging the first section, and the third section engaging the second section. This nested structure achieves permanent connection through cumulative engagement while maintaining a compact form factor that minimizes overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is designed to connect to multiple syringe types, then compatibility is improved, but the ability to prevent reuse across patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the adapter have different engagement characteristics optimized for specific syringe types. The first section can be configured with specific geometries to match particular syringe interfaces, while maintaining permanent connection features. This allows the adapter to be specifically tailored to one syringe type per adapter unit, ensuring compatibility while preventing reuse through permanent attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a single-use, disposable component that is permanently attached to a specific syringe. After one use, the entire adapter-syringe assembly is discarded, eliminating the risk of reuse across patients. This approach prioritizes safety over reusability, with the adapter serving its purpose for a single patient treatment
3Reliability
If a permanently connected adapter is used, then reuse prevention is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter sections are pre-formed as separate components with built-in connection features (such as snap-fit elements, interference fit geometries, or ultrasonic welding surfaces). These preliminary formations allow for automated assembly processes where sections are permanently connected in a single assembly operation, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the permanent connection requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent connection between adapter sections can be achieved through non-mechanical or simplified mechanical means such as ultrasonic welding, heat staking, or chemical bonding instead of complex fastening mechanisms. This substitution reduces assembly steps and improves ease of manufacture while maintaining the permanent attachment necessary for reuse prevention
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A syringe assembly connectible to an injector including a syringe interface and a drive member includes a syringe portion including a barrel section to contain fluid to be pressurized and an outlet in fluid connection with the barrel section. The syringe assembly also includes an adapter formed separately from the syringe portion and including a plurality of sections. At least two sections of the plurality of sections are engageable to nonremovably connect the adapter to the syringe portion. In a number of embodiment, the adapter includes only two section the engage to nonremovably connect the adapter to the syringe portion. The adapter further includes a mounting mechanism adapted to be connected to the injector syringe interface. The adapter can also include a passage in operative connection with the barrel section after connection of the adapter to the syringe portion so that upon connection of the adapter with the syringe portion, the drive member can pass through the passage to impart motion to a plunger slidably positionable within the barrel section.