Syringe Tip Cap with Dual Stable Positions for Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing syringe designs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,734, face instability issues in the sealed configuration, particularly with the tip cap, which compromises the air-tight fit and sterility of the syringe, and lack a secure mechanism for sterilization and filling processes.
Innovation Solution
A syringe design featuring a cap support integral with the body and a tip cap that can switch between two stable positions, allowing communication with the outside for sterilization and sealing the containment volume, utilizing releasable coupling mechanisms, interference fits, and seals to enhance stability and sterility, and a supporting element for optimal storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tip cap is secured to the syringe body only by means of needle perforation, then the syringe can be sterilized and filled, but the tip cap presents considerable instability in the sealed configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The tip cap assembly is divided into two functional parts: a tip cap that seals the needle and a cap support that attaches to the syringe body. This segmentation allows the tip cap to be removed for sterilization while the cap support remains attached, and enables independent optimization of each component's attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap support acts as an intermediary element between the tip cap and the syringe body. It provides a stable attachment to the syringe body through friction fit and mechanical interlocking, while also supporting the tip cap during sterilization and filling operations. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by decoupling the stabilization function from the sealing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tip cap is fully inserted in the cap support to maintain sterility, then air-tight fit is achieved, but the tip cap becomes unstable due to lack of additional securing
Solution Approach 1:
The tip cap is nested within the cap support structure, with the tip cap fitting into the hollow interior of the cap support. This nested arrangement allows the tip cap to be securely positioned during sterilization and filling, while the cap support's external structure provides additional stability and attachment to the syringe body.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap support is designed with flexible walls that can deform elastically to accommodate the tip cap and maintain friction fit. This flexibility allows the cap support to adapt to dimensional variations while maintaining a stable, secure connection between the tip cap assembly and the syringe body.
3Productivity
If the tip cap is positioned to allow sterilization treatment, then the containment volume can communicate with the outside, but the syringe cannot maintain hermetic seal
Solution Approach 1:
The tip cap assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two stable positions: an open position for sterilization where the containment volume communicates with the outside, and a sealed position where the tip cap is fully inserted to maintain hermetic seal. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap support is pre-attached to the syringe body before sterilization, providing a stable framework that supports the tip cap in the open position. This preliminary attachment ensures that the sterilization process can be performed efficiently while maintaining structural integrity, and the system is already prepared for the subsequent sealing operation.
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 design significantly improves the stability and reliability of the air-tight seal, enables effective sterilization and filling processes, and ensures the sterility of the syringe contents, while allowing for secure transport and processing, including automatic filling.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the cap support and the outer surface of the tip cap are provided respectively with a series of ribs and a series of grooves geometrically compatible with each other
Implementation Method 2
the needle pierces the plug, so that the tip portion of the needle becomes imbedded in the end portion of the plug, thus creating the fit
Implementation Method 3
The inner surface of the cap support and the outer surface of the tip cap are provided respectively with a series of ribs and a series of grooves geometrically compatible with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) comprising a body (1) defining a containment volume (2) for a fluid for medical use and equipped with a terminal (3) which defines a conduit (4) configured to put the containment volume (2) into communication with the outside. The device (100) comprises a cap support (10) integral with the body (1) and disposed outside the containment volume (2), the cap support (10) defining an internal volume (11) housing the terminal (3). The device (100) comprises a tip cap (20) associable with the cap support (10) by first constraint means (30) and associable with the terminal (3) by second constraint means (31). The tip cap (20) is configured to assume at least a first stable position and a second stable position.In the first stable position, the tip cap (20) is integral with the cap support (10), in the first stable position a first portion (21) of the tip cap (20) being housed in the internal volume (11) of the cap support (10) and a second portion (22) of the tip cap (20) emerging from the internal volume (11) of the cap support (10). In the second stable position, the tip cap (20) is integral with the terminal (3) and is completely housed in the internal volume (11) of the cap support (10). The containment volume (2) is in communication with the outside when the tip cap (20) assumes the first stable position and is sealed when the tip cap (20) assumes the second stable position.