Syringe Plunger Tip Covering with Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe plunger tips with silicone materials can contaminate substances like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin foam, leading to interference with hydration and foam degradation due to physical contact, and existing solutions lack effective prevention and isolation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A covering for syringe plunger tips made from materials like polymeric compounds (LLDPE, HDPE, ePTFE, PTFE) that are impermeable to silicone, preventing contact between silicone plunger tips or lubricants and substances within the syringe barrel, and incorporating a locking mechanism to secure the covering in place, ensuring no longitudinal or rotational movement relative to the plunger tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If silicone plunger tips are used to reduce friction and enable smooth operation, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination of substances like PVA and gelatin foam occurs due to physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
A covering is introduced as an intermediary component between the silicone plunger tip and the substance in the syringe barrel. This covering prevents direct contact between the silicone material and the substance, thereby preventing contamination while still allowing the plunger to move smoothly through the barrel.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the silicone plunger tip for reducing friction, the covering for isolation and preventing contamination, and the locking mechanism for securing the covering. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a covering is added to isolate the plunger tip from substances, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be easily formed and attached to the plunger tip. This thin-film approach provides effective isolation and contamination prevention while minimizing the added complexity and material usage compared to rigid or multi-layer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering includes an integrated locking mechanism that automatically secures itself to the plunger tip through interaction with the syringe barrel. This self-locking feature simplifies the assembly process and reduces the need for additional fastening components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is incorporated to secure the covering, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the covering structure itself, where features such as tabs or flanges on the covering engage with corresponding features on the plunger tip or syringe barrel. This integration of the locking function into the covering design ensures reliable securing while avoiding the need for separate, complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically engaged during the insertion and movement process, where the covering automatically locks into place through interaction with the syringe barrel. This dynamic locking approach ensures reliability during use while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to static or pre-assembled locking mechanisms.
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 solution effectively isolates the plunger tip from substances within the syringe barrel, preventing contamination and ensuring smooth operation with reduced friction, eliminating the need for silicone lubricants and maintaining the integrity of substances like PVA and gelatin foam.
Implementation Method 1
The covering may comprise a material with a lower coefficient of friction when in contact with the interior surface of a syringe barrel than the material of the plunger tip... the covering may comprise a material that is impermeable to migration of chemical components of the plunger tip across the covering
Implementation Method 2
the plunger tip may compress to provide a sealing force between the plunger tip and covering and the interior surface of a syringe barrel
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a locking mechanism to secure the covering in place, ensuring no longitudinal or rotational movement relative to the plunger tip
Data Source
AI summary
Coverings for syringe plunger tips, as well as syringes and syringe components including such coverings, are disclosed. A material of the covering may have at least one different material property than a material of the plunger tip. The coverings may provide a reduced coefficient of friction between the covering and a surface of the syringe relative to the coefficient of friction between the plunger tip and the syringe surface. The coverings may also isolate a substance loaded in the syringe from the plunger tip. The coverings may include a locking member to lock the covering over the plunger tip. Methods for manufacturing a syringe assembly including such coverings are also disclosed.