Universal Vial Adapter with Expandable Securing Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial adapters require multiple sizes to accommodate various vial dimensions, increasing inventory complexity and workflow challenges for medical providers.
Innovation Solution
A vial adapter with a flexible, radially expandable vial securing member that can adjust to secure vials of different sizes, combined with a pressure equalization assembly to prevent medication release during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various size vial adapters are provided to accommodate different size vials, then all vial sizes can be secured, but inventory management complexity and workflow complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vial adapter is designed with a single body that can accommodate multiple vial sizes through its expandable securing member, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters. The universal design allows one adapter to perform the function of what would traditionally require several different sized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The vial securing member is designed to be dynamically adjustable between expanded and collapsed states. When collapsed, it fits small vials; when expanded, it accommodates larger vials. This dynamic transformation allows a single static adapter to adapt to multiple vial sizes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Reliability
If the vial securing member is made rigid to ensure secure attachment, then attachment reliability improves, but adaptability to different vial sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vial securing member transitions from a rigid state during attachment (providing reliable securement) to an adjustable state during size adaptation. The member can be temporarily deformed to fit different vial diameters, then returns to a rigid locked position to ensure secure attachment, thus achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the vial securing member (specifically its diameter and shape) are temporarily changed during the adaptation phase to match different vial sizes. Once adapted, the member maintains its configuration to provide reliable attachment, thus dynamically adjusting parameters to satisfy both adaptability and reliability requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure equalization arrangement is added to prevent medication release, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization arrangement is merged with the existing vial adapter structure, integrating the safety function into the main body rather than adding it as a separate external component. This integration minimizes the increase in overall device complexity while achieving the safety benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vial interior and exterior environments. It mediates pressure differences that could cause medication leakage, providing a safety buffer that prevents harmful effects without requiring complex active control systems.
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 vial adapter simplifies inventory management by accommodating various vial sizes with a single adapter, while the pressure equalization assembly ensures safe and contained medication transfer, reducing exposure risks for healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure equalization assembly having an equalization housing and an expandable member, with the equalization housing and the expandable member defining a space configured to expand from a first volume to a second volume larger than the first volume
Implementation Method 2
a piercing member having a first end connected to the body and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the piercing member and the body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the component connection interface
Data Source
AI summary
A vial adapter includes a body having a component connection interface, a piercing member having a first end connected to the body and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the piercing member and the body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the component connection interface, and a vial securing member extending from the body. The vial securing member is configured to secure the body to a vial. The vial securing member is moveable between a first position where the vial securing member defines a first length and a first width and a second position where the vial securing member has a second length and a second width, where the first length is larger than the first width, the first length is larger than the second length, and the second width is larger than the first width.