Variable-Width Vial Geometry for Consistent Bead Mixing Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial assembly components for delivering radioactive compounds in transarterial radioembolization procedures suffer from inconsistent flow rates and pressure, leading to particulate settlement and decreased bead dispersion, which affects treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A vial assembly with a septum, neck region, and particulate region of varying widths, along with a needle port configuration, allows for consistent flow rates and pressure during mixing and delivery, preventing particulate settlement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mixing is performed in a conventional vial, then the mixing process is simple to operate, but inconsistent flow rates and pressures occur leading to particulate settlement
Solution Approach 1:
The vial geometry parameters are specifically changed: the neck region has a first width and the particulate region has a second width greater than the first width. This geometric parameter change creates optimal flow conditions that maintain consistent flow rates and prevent particulate settlement during manual mixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vial are given different geometric properties. The neck region and particulate region have different widths to create specific flow characteristics in each zone. This local quality differentiation ensures proper mixing while maintaining consistent flow rates throughout the delivery process.
2Ease of manufacture
If particulate material settles in the vial, then cleaning of components is required, but this causes insufficient injection rates and decreased bead dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The vial geometry parameters (neck width vs. particulate region width) are optimized to prevent particulate settlement in the first place. By changing the geometric parameters to create proper flow dynamics, the need for cleaning is eliminated and consistent injection rates are maintained throughout the procedure.
3Ease of operation
If a needle port is positioned in the neck region, then fluid injection for mixing is enabled, but the needle must puncture the septum requiring precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The neck region is specifically designed with a particular width that is different from the particulate region. This local geometric quality provides an optimal target zone for needle positioning and fluid injection, making the puncture process more forgiving and easier to perform accurately.
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
Ensures consistent and efficient delivery of radioactive compounds by maintaining constant flow rates and preventing particulate settlement, enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one port is configured to inject a fluid into the vial assembly to mix with the particulate material upon actuation of a vial engagement mechanism in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
The neck region may include a first width, and the particulate region may include a second width greater than the first width... configured to maintain constant flow rates and pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A vial assembly includes a vial and a needle with at least one port. The vial includes a particulate material, a septum, a neck region including a first width, and a particulate region including a second width greater than the first width. The vial assembly is configured to move to a locked position. The needle may be configured to puncture the septum with the at least one port configured to be in the neck region when in the locked position. The at least one port may be configured to inject a fluid into the vial assembly to mix with the particulate material upon actuation of a vial engagement mechanism in a first direction and to receive a resulting mixed fluid from the vial assembly upon actuation of the vial engagement mechanism in a second direction opposite the first direction.