Syringe Plug Preventing Incorrect Injection via Through-Duct

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard medical syringes with Luer connections pose risks of incorrect administration due to potential misuse, leading to incidents with lethal consequences, as they can be inadvertently or intentionally used for intravenous, transcutaneous, or subcutaneous injections after removal of the closure for oral or dermal applications.

Innovation Solution

A plug designed for medical syringes that is compatible with standard connections, featuring a through-duct for oral or dermal application while preventing further connection of injection devices, and optionally an irreversible attachment mechanism to ensure safe use, utilizing materials like thermoplastic elastomers or silicone for production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a closure is removed from the syringe to enable oral or dermal administration, then the syringe becomes accessible for intended use, but the risk of incorrect intravenous or transcutaneous injection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of syringe for oral/dermal administrationVSAvoidRisk of incorrect injection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug acts as an intermediary component that replaces the traditional closure. It is placed on the connection element and provides a through-duct for safe oral or dermal administration while its design physically prevents connection of injection devices like cannulas, thus mediating between accessibility and safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug is pre-configured with a through-duct and specific geometric features that predeterminedly prevent incorrect use. The through-duct is oriented and shaped in advance to allow only oral/dermal application, and the connection geometry is pre-designed to be incompatible with injection devices, preventing harmful actions before they can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plug comprises a through-duct for oral or dermal application, then the intended administration route is enabled, but the risk of connecting injection devices might increase if not properly designed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCompatibility with standard syringe connectionsVSAvoidPotential for incorrect connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug exhibits local quality through its differentiated structure: the outer geometry provides compatibility with standard Luer connections for proper placement, while the inner through-duct geometry is specifically configured to allow only oral/dermal flow. This localized differentiation of functions within the single component enables both adaptability and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the plug is designed to prevent connection of further application elements, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePrevention of incorrect administrationVSAvoidPlug structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug achieves multi-functionality by combining several safety functions into a single component: it seals the connection element, provides a through-duct for oral/dermal administration, and prevents connection of injection devices through its geometric design. This universal design maintains reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10814075B2Plug for placing on a connection element of a medical syringe

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 GERRESHEIMER REGENSBURGH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug for placing on a connection element (1) of a medical syringe, which is connectable to the connection element (1), the plug (2) comprising a through-duct (3) and being formed free of further connectivity or connection elements.