Prefilled Syringe Package Tip Cap Extraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prefilled syringes with small tip caps are inconvenient for users to handle and pose a choking hazard, especially when the cap needs to be removed and reattached, which can introduce air into the syringe barrel, potentially causing patient irritation, especially with high-viscosity medications.

Innovation Solution

A package design that embeds the tip cap within a receiving element, allowing it to be detached from the syringe tip during retrieval, preventing separate handling and reattachment, and includes a replacement cap for sealing purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the tip cap is made small to fit limited space in the syringe nest, then the space utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetip cap volumeVSAvoidtip cap handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tip cap is extracted from the syringe tip during the retrieval process through engagement with the cap removing section. This automatic separation eliminates the need for manual cap removal and reattachment, solving the handling difficulty while maintaining the small cap size for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap removing section acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the tip cap. It facilitates cap removal through a simple pulling motion, making the small cap manageable without requiring direct manual manipulation that could lead to choking hazards or improper handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tip cap is removed and reattached for dosage setting, then the adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to air introduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage adjustment capabilityVSAvoidair introduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tip cap is automatically removed in advance during the retrieval process, before the user needs to perform any dosage setting. The syringe is delivered in a ready-to-use state with the cap already separated, eliminating the need for subsequent cap removal and reattachment that would introduce air.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure itself performs the cap removal function through the engagement mechanism between the syringe tip and cap removing section. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual cap manipulation, preventing air introduction while maintaining dosage adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the tip cap is made small for space efficiency, then the volume is improved, but safety deteriorates due to choking hazard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetip cap volumeVSAvoidchoking hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tip cap is extracted from the syringe assembly and retained in the package cavity. This separation removes the small cap from the user's environment, eliminating the choking hazard while maintaining the space-efficient small cap design for storage purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of the small cap becoming a choking hazard is converted into a benefit by using the same small cap size for space-efficient storage. The cap's small size allows compact packaging, while the automatic retention mechanism prevents it from becoming a hazard to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3708200B1Package for a prefilled syringe and system comprising a prefilled syringe and a package
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 GERRESHEIMER REGENSBURGH GMBH
  • EP3708200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3708200B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3708200B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Package suitable and intended for receiving a prefilled syringe comprising a syringe barrel and a syringe tip, wherein the syringe tip is provided with a tip cap, wherein the package comprises a first receiving element, in which the tip cap is at least partially embeddable, wherein the first receiving element provides an engagement by which the tip cap is detachable from the syringe tip.