Syringe End-Piece Universal Connector Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional syringes face compatibility issues with connectors having internal cannulas, leading to breakage and increased dead volume, particularly in emergency situations, due to rigid material constraints and standard diameter requirements.

Innovation Solution

A syringe design with an end-piece featuring a cylindrical channel having two portions with varying diameters and a transition zone, optimized for strength and reduced dead volume, allowing compatibility with Luer-type and needleless connectors without additional couplings, and made from materials like glass for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the axial passageway diameter is increased to accommodate connectors with internal cannulas, then connector compatibility is improved, but the wall thickness of the end-piece decreases leading to increased breakage risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidend-piece wall strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The axial passageway is segmented into two portions with different diameters: a first portion with a larger diameter suitable for connector mounting, and a second portion with a smaller diameter that maintains adequate wall thickness. This segmentation allows the end-piece to accommodate connectors while preserving structural strength and preventing breakage during insertion into conical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the end-piece wall thickness is increased to prevent breakage, then structural strength is improved, but the axial passageway diameter decreases limiting connector compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend-piece wall strengthVSAvoidconnector compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end-piece exhibits local quality variation through its two-portion axial passageway design. The first portion has a larger diameter optimized for connector interface requirements, while the second portion has a smaller diameter that ensures adequate wall thickness and strength. This localized differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific functional requirement without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional intermediate couplings are used to achieve compatibility, then connector adaptability is improved, but device complexity and dead volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end-piece is designed with universal compatibility features through its two-portion axial passageway that can accommodate various connector types including those with internal cannulas. The first portion's larger diameter provides a universal interface that works with different connector designs, eliminating the need for specialized intermediate couplings and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2320992B1Syringe with universal end-piece
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS
  • EP2320992B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2320992B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a syringe (20) defining a reservoir (21 ) for containing a liquid and comprising an end-piece (10) encompassing a channel (11 ) providing a passageway for the transfer of the said liquid, characterized in that the said channel (11 ) comprises two portions, a first portion (12) and a second portion (13), the said first portion (12) extending from the free distal end (14) of the end-piece (10) in the direction of the reservoir (21 ), and the said second portion (12) extending between the first portion (12) of the channel (11 ) and the proximal end (15) of the end-piece (10) and connecting the said first portion (12) to the reservoir, the said first portion (12) having an average diameter that is greater than the average diameter of the said second portion (13).