Syringe Fill System with Bidirectional Pusher and Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional syringe filling processes are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, especially when dealing with multiple liquids that require precise mixing and administration, often leading to degradation of fluids and increased risk of needlestick events.
Innovation Solution
A syringe fill system comprising a housing with a pusher mechanism for bidirectional linear movement, a selector and driver assembly for precise fluid dispensing, and a cassette assembly with check valves for fluid management, along with haptic and audible feedback features to enhance user interaction and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fill operations are used, then syringes can be filled with fluid, but the process is time-consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service filling where the fluid supply source automatically dispenses the precise amount of fluid required for the syringe without requiring manual monitoring or intervention. The integrated drive mechanism automatically controls the filling process, eliminating the need for operator time and effort in conventional manual filling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical filling operations with an automated drive system that controls fluid dispensing. The drive mechanism substitutes for human hands and eyes in monitoring and controlling the filling process, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the time required for fill operations.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fill operations are used, then syringes can be filled, but close attention must be paid to the amount of fluid drawn, increasing labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the filling process and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop ensures precise fluid amount control by automatically adjusting the dispensing rate based on actual flow conditions, eliminating the need for constant operator attention and manual measurement verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and measurement verification with automated sensing and control systems. The automated drive mechanism substitutes for human observation and manual adjustment, maintaining precise fluid amount control while significantly reducing the labor intensity and operator attention required during the filling process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple liquids are mixed at the point of use, then custom formulations can be achieved, but the process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid supply into multiple independent sources, each capable of being selectively connected to the mixing chamber. This segmentation allows for versatile custom mixing of multiple liquids while maintaining simple individual fluid pathways, avoiding the complexity of managing all possible fluid combinations in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms that allow the system to adaptively select and switch between different fluid supply sources based on the required formulation. The dynamic switching capability enables custom mixing of multiple liquids on demand while keeping the overall system architecture simple through programmable control rather than complex mechanical configurations.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If repeated injections are administered, then patient treatment can be continued, but the fill operations become increasingly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the fluid supply sources and pre-calculating the required fluid amounts for repeated injections. The automated drive mechanism is pre-programmed with the necessary dispensing parameters, allowing for rapid sequential filling operations without requiring reconfiguration or recalculation for each injection, thereby maintaining high productivity throughout the treatment duration.
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 enables efficient, precise, and safe filling of syringes with multiple fluids, minimizing errors and needlestick risks while allowing for custom mixing and administration of pharmaceutical compositions at the point of use.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher arranged to exert downward pressure on a fluid supply package that is pressure-responsive to dispense fluid
Implementation Method 2
multiple fluid feed inlets extending outwardly from the base manifold member and communicating with the interior manifold flow passage via inlet passages containing check valves
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe fill system is described, which is useful for filling syringes for dental anesthetic applications. The system incorporates capability for “push-pull”, “pull-push”, “push-push”, and “pull-pull” modes of operation, for loading syringes with compositions comprising multiple fluid components. A syringe fillable by such syringe fill systems is described, providing haptic and audible feedback to a user, to aid in administering precise amounts of therapeutic compositions. Also disclosed are cassette assemblies for use in such syringe fill systems. Such cassette assemblies may be formed of plastic and elastomeric materials of construction, as disposable or single-use components of the syringe fill system.