Syringe Cylinder Indicator Device for Sterile Stopper Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe cylinders face contamination issues due to stopper displacement during temperature and pressure fluctuations, making it difficult to ensure the active ingredient space remains sterile, and existing methods using graphite powder are unreliable for detecting maximum displacement.
Innovation Solution
A syringe cylinder with an indicator device featuring a movable indicator element that builds specific friction forces with the interior wall, allowing unidirectional displacement and remaining fixed in position upon return, enabling clear detection of the stopper's maximum displacement for quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If graphite powder is used to detect stopper displacement, then the displacement can be visually detected, but the measurement precision is compromised due to friction forces and powder back-travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator element as an intermediary component between the stopper and the detection system. This indicator element has a smaller diameter than the interior space, allowing it to move freely without significant friction. The indicator element directly indicates stopper displacement through its position relative to scale markings, eliminating the reliability issues associated with graphite powder back-travel and friction-induced measurement errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper is allowed to move freely during temperature and pressure fluctuations, then the active ingredient space can adapt to pressure differences, but contamination risk increases when the stopper reaches non-sterile regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the indicator element and scale markings system. The indicator element continuously provides visual feedback about the stopper's position relative to sterile and non-sterile regions. This allows operators to monitor stopper displacement in real-time and take corrective action before contamination occurs, while still allowing the stopper to move freely to adapt to pressure fluctuations.
3Reliability
If the indicator element has friction forces with the interior wall, then it remains fixed in position during return displacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving the indicator element a smaller diameter than the interior space of the syringe cylinder. This dimensional difference creates a specific friction characteristic: enough friction to prevent the indicator element from moving backward during stopper return displacement, but not so much friction as to prevent forward movement during stopper displacement. This simple geometric solution achieves reliable indicator position stability without adding complex mechanical structures.
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 syringe cylinder ensures biunique identification of the stopper's displacement, preventing contamination by clearly indicating when the stopper has moved beyond sterile regions, thus ensuring the active ingredient space remains sterile.
Implementation Method 1
the material pairing of the material used for the syringe cylinder and that for the indicator element is matched. This is necessary in order to build friction forces between the indicator element and the inside wall of the syringe cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe cylinder comprising an interior space, having a stopper that can be displaced in the interior space and delimits an active ingredient space, is proposed. The syringe cylinder is characterized by an indicator device biuniquely indicating a longitudinal movement of the stopper occurring in one direction.