Two-Chamber Syringe with Latching Mechanism for Sequential Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current syringe designs require separate devices for medication administration and flushing, leading to increased risks of medical errors, infections, and resource wastage due to the need for multiple accesses of the intravenous system, as well as limitations in filling volumes and standard filling procedures.
Innovation Solution
A two-chambered syringe with a latching mechanism that allows for sequential delivery of multiple fluids using a single syringe, where the second piston is locked to prevent accidental expulsion and allows filling from the distal end, maintaining a fluid gap to separate liquids until needed, enabling standard filling procedures and unhindered volume capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate syringe is used for each injection and flush, then the intravenous system can be properly maintained, but the risk of medical error increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the medication syringe and flush syringe into a single integrated device. The syringe contains both a medication chamber and a flush chamber with a shared barrel and plunger assembly, allowing both functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring two separate syringes and multiple access procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe is designed to perform multiple functions: it can administer medication through the medication chamber and subsequently perform a flush through the flush chamber using the same device. The shared plunger assembly can operate both chambers sequentially, making the single syringe universal for both medication delivery and line flushing operations
2Productivity
If a separate syringe is used for each injection and flush, then the injection can be completed, but the time required for multiple accesses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe enables continuous useful action by allowing the flush to begin immediately after medication administration without removing the device from the intravenous system. The shared plunger assembly can continuously operate both chambers in sequence, eliminating the interruption and repeated access time that would occur with separate syringes
3Ease of manufacture
If the second piston is not locked, then the syringe can be filled from the distal end, but accidental expulsion of fluid may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is engaged before filling to prevent accidental expulsion during the filling process. The lock is designed to be set in advance, securing the second piston in place before the flush chamber is filled through the distal end, thereby eliminating the risk of unintended fluid discharge while maintaining ease of filling
4Loss of substance
If a single syringe is used for both medication and flush, then resource wastage is reduced, but the filling volume may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is segmented into two separate chambers: a medication chamber and a flush chamber. This segmentation allows each chamber to be filled to its full capacity independently, with the flush chamber specifically designed to accommodate the required flush volume (e.g., 10 mL or more), thereby eliminating the volume limitations that would result from sharing a single chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.