Syringe Valve Couplers for Controlled Mixing and Content Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug mixing systems face issues such as high user error risk, improper mixing, dosing errors, and unwanted migration or leakage of syringe contents, particularly in dual-syringe and single-barrel systems, which complicate the administration process and compromise stability.
Innovation Solution
A syringe coupler system with a displaceable seal that connects and segregates syringes during storage, allowing irreversible activation to enable mixing without pre-assembly, and includes a secure seal to prevent unwanted migration of volatile solvents like NMP, using elastomers and plastic components to ensure reliable separation and mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dual-syringe systems are used to store separate contents, then stability and prevention of unwanted migration are improved, but device complexity and number of assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate syringes into a single integrated mixing syringe device, where both contents are stored in one syringe barrel separated by a wiper seal. This merging approach maintains the stability benefit of separate storage while eliminating the complexity of assembling and connecting two separate syringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single syringe barrel is segmented into separate compartments by a wiper seal that divides the barrel, allowing different contents to be stored in different sections. This segmentation maintains content separation for stability while keeping the overall device simple and pre-assembled.
2Ease of operation
If single-barrel systems are used to reduce assembly steps, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unwanted migration and leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wiper seal acts as an intermediary element within the single-barrel system, creating a physical barrier that prevents unwanted migration between contents while maintaining the ease of operation of a pre-assembled single-syringe device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing syringe is pre-assembled with contents and wiper seal in place before use, eliminating assembly steps and preventing migration risks that would occur during user assembly. The device is ready for immediate controlled mixing when activated.
3Reliability
If pre-assembly is performed to prevent migration, then reliability is improved, but user error risk and improper mixing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing syringe device is pre-configured and self-contained, requiring no user assembly or complex operations. The device automatically maintains content separation through the wiper seal and enables controlled mixing through simple user activation, eliminating user errors while maintaining reliability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If separate syringes are used during storage, then prevention of content migration is improved, but productivity and administration time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple storage functions into a single pre-assembled mixing syringe that maintains content separation during storage. This eliminates the time-consuming assembly steps required for dual-syringe systems while preventing content migration through the integrated wiper seal design.
Data Source
AI summary
A syringe mixing system is provided for housing and mixing contents between at least two syringes. In some embodiments, a syringe coupler is provided that receives first and second syringes and includes a valve member that is convertible between a closed position and an open position. Retention systems for preventing or inhibiting removal of at least one syringe after use are also provided.