Syringe Vial Attachment for Automated Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual labeling of hypodermic syringes is prone to errors, particularly in high-pressure medical settings like anesthesiology, leading to potential misadministration of medications, and existing solutions like pre-labeled syringes are costly and less versatile.
Innovation Solution
A syringe apparatus with an interfacing member that securely mates with medication vials, allowing for automatic and correct labeling by utilizing a needle sheath that reveals and conceals the hypodermic needle, and incorporating features like adhesive cups and tethering mechanisms to ensure accurate identification of the medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual labeling of syringes is performed, then labeling flexibility is maintained, but labeling accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to human error and haste
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe barrel is pre-configured with a label application interface that automatically receives and applies the correct medication label when the vial is inserted, eliminating the need for manual labeling while maintaining flexibility in medication selection
Solution Approach 2:
An automated labeling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the vial insertion and the label application, using the vial's position or identification to automatically select and apply the correct label, thereby ensuring accuracy without manual intervention
2Reliability
If pre-labeled syringes are used, then labeling accuracy is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate as syringes are dedicated to specific medications
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is designed with a universal label application interface that can accommodate different medication labels, allowing a single syringe design to serve multiple medication types while maintaining labeling accuracy through automated label selection
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling system transitions from static pre-applied labels to a dynamic automated labeling process where the correct label is selected and applied based on the inserted vial or medication type, enabling versatility while maintaining accuracy
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive labels are applied to syringes, then labeling is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates in gloved hands due to adhesion difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The manual adhesive labeling process is replaced with an automated mechanical labeling system that applies labels without requiring hand dexterity or glove removal, using automated applicators or vial-based label transfer mechanisms
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple medications are prepared manually, then treatment flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe and labeling system are pre-configured with automated label application capabilities, allowing rapid preparation of multiple medications without time-consuming manual labeling steps, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining treatment flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A medical syringe apparatus includes a syringe unit, a hypodermic needle attached to the syringe unit and at least one interfacing member for mating a labeled medication container to the syringe unit. A filling needle is attached to the syringe unit for drawing fluid from a container. A movable needle sheath protects the hypodermic needle when not in use and may be moved out of the way when administering an injection. The medication label is visible. The container remains mated to the syringe when the syringe is in use. Risk of mislabeling the syringe may therefore be substantially reduced or eliminated and patient safety may accordingly be improved.