Pre-filled Syringe Opening System with Segmented Needle Carrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-filled syringes face issues with medicament compatibility with needle materials, contamination risks, and high production costs due to plastic usage, which affect efficacy and safety, and current solutions are not easily obtainable or reliable.
Innovation Solution
An opening system for pre-filled syringes with a coupling element and movable connecting means that keeps the needle separate until use, allowing aseptic operation and reducing plastic use, featuring intuitive and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the needle is kept in contact with the medicament in pre-filled syringes for long periods, then the syringe is ready for immediate use, but the medicament loses effectiveness or becomes harmful due to incompatibility with needle material
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the needle and syringe into separate components that remain independent until the moment of use. The needle is housed in a protective carrier that prevents contact with the medicament, allowing the syringe to be stored and transported separately from the needle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary barrier between the needle and medicament. This membrane remains intact during storage and transport, preventing direct contact between the needle and medicament, and is only breached when the device is activated for use.
2Device complexity
If the needle is kept in contact with the medicament, then the syringe structure is simplified, but residues from the medicament formulation obstruct the needle preventing liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the needle assembly from the syringe body, with each component optimized for its specific function. The needle remains isolated in its carrier until activation, preventing residue buildup and obstruction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If a cap or wrap is used to cover the syringe stem for sterilization and protection, then the syringe remains sterile until use, but production costs increase due to extra plastic usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separate protective caps or wraps by integrating the protection function directly into the needle carrier assembly. The carrier itself serves as the protective element, eliminating redundant plastic components while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function and the needle housing function are merged into a single integrated carrier component. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate protective caps or wraps, reducing plastic consumption while maintaining sterility and protection.
4Ease of operation
If an accessory with threaded ring and perforating needle is used to open the vial, then the medicament can be accessed, but the accessory is not easily obtainable and not completely reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is integrated into the needle carrier assembly itself, combining the perforating function with the needle delivery system. This integration ensures reliable operation while maintaining ease of use, eliminating the need for separate opening accessories.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~10
Figure 11~13
AI summary
The present invention relates to an opening and liquid supplying system (100) for pre-filled containers (10, 30) equipped with a supplying end, comprising a coupling element (20), connecting means (6) movable from a first position to a second position, and movable protection means (9); the coupling element (20) has an end (27) closed and suitable for being punched, and first guiding means (21) for guiding the movement of the connecting means (6) movable from the first position, close to the closed end (27), to the second position, apart from such end, and vice versa; the connecting means (6) have engaging means (7) for engaging with the protection means (9) so as to move integrally along a second degree of freedom, different than the first degree of freedom, and first matches (1 1) for the first guiding means (21). The invention relates also to a respective pre-filled container equipped with such system and the method for realize them.