Syringe Positioning Ramps for Automated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated syringe filling systems face challenges in accurately positioning syringes of varying sizes within a sterile environment, often requiring complex and space-consuming components that restrict efficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A syringe positioning apparatus with upstanding surfaces and ramps that angle upward, allowing for the advancement and engagement of syringe ends to elevate and align syringes on a predetermined axis, enabling precise positioning without needing to engage the barrel, thus accommodating a range of syringe lengths and diameters in a compact setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex componentry is used to achieve accurate syringe positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to different syringe sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is divided into two separate members (first member with first ramp, second member with second ramp) that independently engage opposite ends of the syringe. This segmentation allows each member to be simple in structure while collectively achieving accurate positioning, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp surfaces are designed with specific geometric characteristics (angling upward and away from each other) that enable them to universally engage syringes of various sizes, lengths, and diameters. This universal design allows the same simple apparatus structure to accurately position different syringe types, improving both positioning accuracy and adaptability while reducing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If complex componentry is used for accurate syringe positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but adaptability to different syringe sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surfaces are designed with specific geometric characteristics (angling upward and away from each other) that enable them to universally engage syringes of various sizes, lengths, and diameters. This universal design allows the same simple apparatus structure to accurately position different syringe types, improving both positioning accuracy and adaptability while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus accommodates different syringe parameters (sizes, lengths, diameters) by utilizing the geometric properties of the ramp surfaces rather than adjusting the apparatus structure. The ramps' angling configuration naturally adapts to various syringe dimensions, maintaining positioning accuracy across different parameters without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional syringe positioning methods are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second members with their respective ramps are positioned in close proximity, with the ramps angling toward each other to meet at the predetermined axis. This merging of positioning functions into a compact arrangement achieves accurate syringe localization while minimizing the apparatus's spatial footprint, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and space requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Syringe positioning apparatus and methods are disclosed that provide for automated positioning of a syringe at an axially aligned position on a predetermined axis. The apparatus and methods employ first and second members having opposing surfaces that include first and second ramps, respectively, wherein the first ramp angles upward and away from the second member, and the second ramp angles upward and away from the first member. At least one of the first and second members may be advanceable toward the other by an actuator, wherein the first and second ramps may slidably engage a syringe and thereby elevate the syringe to the axially aligned position on the predetermined axis.