Syringe Storage Tray With Deformable Projections and Biasing Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and effective system to handle and deliver prefilled syringes that maintains the sterility of high-value biologic products during shipment, particularly by fixing the relative position of the plunger to the barrel to prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A storage tray designed with a first means to removably secure the syringe barrel and a second means to maintain the plunger's predetermined position, using deformable projections and biasing members to securely hold the syringe in place, ensuring the plunger's axial relation to the barrel and preventing movement during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plunger and barrel are secured in a fixed position during shipment, then the sterility and integrity of the syringe contents are maintained, but the device complexity increases due to additional securing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tray integrates multiple functions into a single structure: it provides structural support, secures the barrel through deformable projections, maintains plunger position through biasing members, and enables easy release. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable projections automatically engage with the barrel and the biasing members self-adjust to maintain plunger position without requiring external intervention. The tray structure itself performs the securing function through its inherent design features.
2Reliability
If deformable projections are used to secure the barrel, then the barrel is firmly retained, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projections are designed with specific dimensional parameters that allow them to deform during assembly and then spring back to provide firm retention. The material properties and geometric parameters are optimized to achieve reliable engagement without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections are designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances while still providing firm retention. This dynamic capability reduces the stringency of precision requirements.
3Reliability
If the tray structure is made more complex to secure the plunger and barrel, then the fixing reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing members are pre-configured to automatically engage the plunger in a predetermined position during assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning is achieved without requiring complex manual adjustment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with distinct functional segments: the barrel securing projections, the plunger position biasing members, and the release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliability.
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 tray effectively maintains the sterility of prefilled syringes by securely holding the barrel and plunger in a fixed position, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring the integrity of the contents during shipment and handling.
Implementation Method 1
One or both of the first means and the second means may comprise a biasing member
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second sidewalls preferably has one or more deformable projections thereon that protrude into the space between the sidewalls for positively retaining the barrel of the syringe between the first and second sidewalls
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tray for one or more syringes includes a recess for each of the syringes to be held in the tray. Each recess has first and second opposed sidewalls that define a space therebetween for receiving the barrel of the syringe. Each of the first and second sidewalls has one or more deformable projections thereon that protrude into the space between the sidewalls for positively retaining the barrel of the syringe between the first and second sidewalls. Additionally, a slot is provided for receiving the thumb rest of the plunger. The slot includes a third sidewall oriented generally transverse to the first and second sidewalls, with the third sidewall including a further projection for engaging a surface of the thumb rest. Preferably, a plurality of such transverse slots is provided to accommodate different positions of the plunger relative to the syringe barrel. The tray also includes a relieved portion intermediate the first and second sidewalls and the slot that provides access to a proximal portion of the syringe barrel to facilitate removal of the syringe from the tray.