Universal Drug Vial Adapter with Telescopic Flex Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid drug transfer devices lack universal adapters that can efficiently clamp both small and large drug vials, and injection port connectors that can securely attach to various sizes of infusion bag injection ports, leading to inefficiencies in mixing, reconstitution, and administration processes.

Innovation Solution

The development of universal drug vial adapters with flexible members made of materials like polycarbonate for telescopic clamping of both small and large vials, and universal injection port connectors with curved members that snap behind the injection port rim to prevent withdrawal, allowing for secure attachment to different-sized ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal drug vial adapter is designed to telescopically clamp both small and large drug vials, then the adapter can be used with multiple vial sizes, but the clamping mechanism becomes more complex and may not provide secure attachment for both sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with small and large drug vialsVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into two separate pairs of flex members: a first pair for clamping small drug vials and a second pair for clamping large drug vials. Each pair is optimized for its specific vial size, allowing secure attachment without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism. The adapter body integrates both pairs, enabling universal compatibility while maintaining simplicity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter body is designed as a universal structure that incorporates both the first pair of flex members for small vials and the second pair for large vials. This multi-functional design allows a single adapter to securely clamp both small and large drug vials without requiring multiple different adapters or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If resiliently flexible material is used for the adapter body to enable telescopic clamping, then the adapter can accommodate different vial diameters, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different vial diametersVSAvoidadapter structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is constructed from resiliently flexible material specifically at the regions where flex members are needed for telescopic clamping, while maintaining sufficient structural strength in other areas. The material properties are locally optimized to provide flexibility where required for diameter accommodation while preserving overall structural integrity for secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If injection port connectors are designed with curved members that snap behind the injection port rim, then secure attachment is achieved, but the connector design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment to infusion bag portsVSAvoidconnector design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing a complex locking mechanism that actively secures the connector, the design uses curved members that passively snap behind the injection port rim during insertion. The geometry of the curved members is inverted relative to the rim, creating a mechanical interference that prevents withdrawal without requiring additional locking components or complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution enables a wide range of liquid drug transfer devices for various purposes, including vented and unvented versions, with reduced drug waste and improved secure attachment to infusion bag ports, enhancing mixing, reconstitution, and administration efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the flex members are outwardly resiliently flexed correspondingly at their crosspieces with respect to the longitudinal drug vial adapter axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10299990B2Liquid drug transfer devices

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 WEST PHARM SERVICES IL LTD

AI summary

Liquid drug transfer devices with universal drug vial adapters for use with a drug vial of a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Some universal drug vial adapters employ the same generally opposite upright flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a large drug vial. Other universal drug vial adapters include a set of minor flex members for clamping a small drug vial and a set of major flex members encircling the set of minor flex members for clamping a large drug vial whereupon the large drug vial underlies the set of minor flex members. Liquid drug transfer devices with a universal injection port connector for attachment on an injection port of an infusion bag.