Syringe Injector Vacuum Detection via Actuator Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injector devices are unable to detect and prevent negative pressure buildup during the retraction cycle, which can lead to piston slap, air ingress, vapor formation, and cross-contamination, and lack automatic shutdown capabilities when a vacuum is detected.
Innovation Solution
An injector device with a controller system that monitors the output of an actuator device to detect negative pressure and provides alerts or automatic shutdown, using either electrical current or hydraulic pressure measurements to prevent hazardous conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the piston assembly is retracted to the proximal end for syringe replacement, then the syringe device can be removed and replaced, but a substantial vacuum is generated causing piston slap and potential syringe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects negative pressure during the retraction cycle and alerts the user or automatically shuts down the injector device before the piston reaches the proximal end. This preliminary detection and intervention prevents the vacuum from becoming substantial enough to cause piston slap and syringe damage, while still allowing normal syringe replacement operations to proceed.
2Ease of operation
If the piston assembly is retracted, then the syringe can be refilled or replaced, but air is drawn into the syringe creating air bubbles that are hazardous if injected
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors negative pressure during retraction and provides early warning or shuts down the device before the vacuum becomes strong enough to draw air into the syringe. This preliminary intervention prevents air bubble formation while maintaining the ability to refill syringes under controlled conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the piston assembly is retracted, then the syringe can be replaced, but vapor forms from liquid content in the syringe which may be injected into the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects negative pressure during retraction and alerts the user or shuts down the device before the vacuum becomes sufficient to cause vapor formation from the liquid medication. This preliminary detection prevents vapor bubble creation while preserving normal syringe replacement functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple syringes are connected via manifold, then fluid can be delivered through multiple pathways, but negative pressure causes commingling of fluids and cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors negative pressure during retraction cycles in multi-syringe operations and provides early warning or shuts down the device before the vacuum becomes strong enough to cause fluid commingling through the manifold. This preliminary intervention prevents cross-contamination while maintaining the versatility of multi-syringe operation.
5Productivity
If conventional monitoring systems detect positive pressure during extension, then constant flow rate can be maintained, but negative pressure during retraction cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is enhanced to perform both existing functions (monitoring positive pressure during extension for constant flow rate control) and the new function (detecting negative pressure during retraction). This multi-functional approach maintains productive dispensing operations while adding critical safety detection capability.
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
Prevents piston slap, air or vapor formation, and cross-contamination by alerting users or automatically shutting down the device when negative pressure is detected, ensuring safe operation and maintaining sterility.
Implementation Method 1
the output of the actuator device may comprise an electrical current drawn by the actuator device when retracting the movable plunger head
Implementation Method 2
the output of the actuator device may comprise a hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic actuator when retracting the movable plunger head
Implementation Method 3
the controller device may be capable of converting the output into a pressure value that may be comparable to a selected negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An injector system, method and computer program product for detecting a vacuum within a syringe are provided. Various embodiments include an actuator device configured to be engaged with a piston member of a syringe for extending and retracting the piston member within the syringe. A controller device is also provided for detecting an output generated by the actuator device when retracting the piston member. The detected output may be associated with a pressure within the reservoir. The controller device determines, via the detected output, when the pressure comprises a selected negative pressure and provides an indicia of the negative pressure to a user and/or a signal to the actuator device.