Syringe Barrel Segmentation for PVA Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Syringe systems with lubricated and non-lubricated portions face challenges in maintaining the stability and compatibility of injectable materials like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin foam, as these materials can become contaminated or unsuitable for use upon contact with silicone-based lubricants, leading to issues with shelf stability and sterilization compatibility.

Innovation Solution

The syringe system design includes a barrel with separate lubricated and non-lubricated portions, where the non-lubricated portion is loaded with the injectable material to prevent contact with the lubricant until hydration, and uses a plunger tip and seal member configuration that allows for easy assembly and sterilization without compromising the material's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the entire barrel is lubricated to facilitate plunger movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the injectable material becomes contaminated and loses stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger movementVSAvoidinjectable material stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel is divided into two distinct zones: a lubricated portion and a non-lubricated portion. The lubricated portion facilitates smooth plunger movement, while the non-lubricated portion maintains material stability by preventing contact between the injectable material and lubricant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the barrel have different surface properties. The lubricated portion has low friction characteristics for ease of plunger movement, while the non-lubricated portion has material-compatible characteristics for maintaining injectable material stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If silicone-based lubricant is used to reduce friction, then ease of operation is improved, but material compatibility deteriorates due to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reductionVSAvoidmaterial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel is segmented into lubricated and non-lubricated zones, allowing silicone-based lubricant to be applied only where needed for friction reduction, while keeping the material contact zone free of lubricant contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A seal member acts as an intermediary barrier between the lubricated portion and the non-lubricated portion containing the injectable material, preventing lubricant migration while allowing plunger movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the barrel is fully lubricated for smooth delivery, then productivity is improved, but shelf stability is reduced due to material degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidshelf stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel is divided into lubricated and non-lubricated portions, enabling smooth plunger movement in the lubricated zone while preserving material stability and shelf life in the non-lubricated zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricated portion provides low-friction characteristics for efficient delivery, while the non-lubricated portion maintains material integrity for extended shelf stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If lubricant is applied to the entire barrel interior, then ease of operation is improved, but sterilization compatibility worsens due to material unsuitability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger displacementVSAvoidsterilization compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel is segmented into lubricated and non-lubricated zones, allowing the non-lubricated portion to withstand sterilization processes without degradation while the lubricated portion maintains operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The non-lubricated portion has sterilization-compatible characteristics, while the lubricated portion has operationally-optimized characteristics for smooth plunger displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 injectable materials remain stable and suitable for their intended purpose, maintaining shelf stability for extended periods and allowing for sterilization methods that do not compromise the syringe's functionality, ensuring effective and safe delivery of the materials.

Implementation Method 1

at least a portion of an interior surface of a first wall of the barrel may be coated with a lubricant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20240181163A1Injectable material hydrating devices and related methods

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Syringe systems including barrels having lubricated portions and non-lubricated portions are provided. The non-lubricated portions may be configured to be loaded with injectable materials, such as embolic agents. The injectable materials may comprise polyvinyl alcohol. Also provided are plungers having plunger tips and seal members. Also provided are methods of lubricating portions of barrels of syringe systems with lubricants including silicone or silicone-free lubricants.