Vented Vial Adapter Protective Hoods for Liquid Drug Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid drug transfer devices with vented vial adapters face issues where liquid drug contents can inadvertently drain into or splash into the vent apertures, wetting the underlying air filter and compromising its operation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of individual protective hoods over the vent apertures to prevent liquid drug contents from entering and wetting the air filter, along with an elastomeric pre-split septum for maintaining sterility, and a manually placed cap for the liquid access port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vent apertures are provided in the vial adapter, then air can be filtered during liquid transfer, but liquid drug contents may inadvertently drain into or splash into the vent apertures, wetting the air filter and compromising its operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vent aperture is divided into two separate functional openings: a first vent aperture for air intake and a second vent aperture for liquid drainage. This segmentation prevents liquid from entering the air filter pathway while maintaining both ventilation and liquid removal functions independently
Solution Approach 2:
A baffle structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the vent aperture and the air filter. The baffle redirects liquid flow away from the air filter while allowing air to pass through, serving as a mediator that protects the air filter from liquid contamination
2Reliability
If protective hoods are added to cover vent apertures, then liquid drug contents are prevented from entering vent apertures, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective hood is merged with the existing vial adapter structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The hood is formed as part of the adapter body, combining protection functionality with the existing structural elements to minimize additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective hood is constructed as a thin-walled structure that provides adequate protection while minimizing material usage and structural bulk. The thin-walled design reduces device complexity and material requirements while maintaining effective liquid blocking capability
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
Prevents liquid drug contents from entering the vent apertures, maintaining the integrity and sterility of the air filter, thereby ensuring effective operation of the vented vial adapter across various vial sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
an annular air filter underlying the series of vent apertures
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric pre-split septum for maintaining sterility of vial contents
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Liquid drug transfer devices including a vented vial adapter having a top wall, a downward depending skirt, and a dual lumen puncturing spike. The top wall includes vent apertures in flow communication with an underlying air filter and protective hoods for covering the vent apertures from splashes. The hood-like hoods are preferably quarter sphere shaped with hood apertures facing radial outwards.