Syringe Plunger Stabilization for Small Volume Dose Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringes face challenges in accurately loading and delivering small volume doses of medication due to deformable plungers, leading to inconsistent delivery, especially for medications requiring precise dosages.
Innovation Solution
A syringe loading and delivery system comprising a syringe delivery ring and a syringe loading guide, which stabilize the plunger to ensure accurate delivery of small volumes by preventing the plunger seal from deforming during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a deformable plunger seal is used in the syringe, then the plunger can be compressed to deliver medication, but the plunger seal deforms when contacting the distal end of the syringe barrel, leading to larger than intended volume delivery
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the plunger seal and the distal end of the syringe barrel. The stopper has a flat end surface that contacts the plunger seal, preventing direct contact between the deformable plunger seal and the barrel end. This intermediary structure maintains the compressibility function while eliminating the deformation problem that causes dose inaccuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing loading systems are used, then the syringe can be loaded with medication, but the systems provide insufficient stability to accurately load small volume doses
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned in the syringe barrel at a specific location before the loading process. This preliminary positioning establishes a fixed reference point that ensures the plunger seal will contact the stopper at the correct position, enabling accurate loading of small volume doses. The stopper's position is predetermined to achieve the desired dose volume, eliminating the need for complex loading systems.
3Device complexity
If the plunger seal is allowed to contact the distal end of the syringe barrel, then the syringe structure remains simple, but the plunger seal deformation leads to inconsistent medication delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper serves as a simple intermediary component that contacts the plunger seal before it can reach the distal end of the barrel. This adds minimal structural complexity while dramatically improving delivery consistency. The stopper's flat end surface provides a reliable stopping point that ensures the plunger seal maintains its shape and sealing function throughout the delivery process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
A kit is disclosed for accurately loading a small volume dose of a medication within a syringe and for delivering the small volume dose of the medication at a treatment site. The kit generally includes a loading and delivery system in accordance herewith, a syringe, and a medication. The loading and delivery system includes a syringe delivery ring and a syringe loading guide, which may be used for example, to administer a small volume dose of a medication at the end of an ocular surgery.