Pressure-Regulating Vial Access for Leak-Free Fluid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial access devices struggle with pressure differentials that cause fluid leakage, inaccurate dosing, and contamination risks, particularly with volatile drugs, and are cumbersome or ineffective for various vial shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A vial access device with a piercing member and reservoir that regulates pressure within the vial by expanding or contracting to equilibrate pressure, preventing leakage and contamination, and allowing accurate fluid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional vial access device is used to extract fluid, then fluid can be removed from the vial, but pressure differentials cause fluid leakage, inaccurate dosing, and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization chamber as an intermediary component between the vial interior and exterior. This chamber receives and manages pressure differentials, preventing them from directly affecting fluid extraction. The chamber acts as a buffer that absorbs pressure variations, ensuring reliable fluid removal without leakage or contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the pressure parameter within the vial by introducing a pressure equalization mechanism. The device changes the pressure state from unbalanced (causing leakage) to balanced (enabling accurate extraction). The pressure equalization chamber dynamically adjusts internal pressure to match external conditions, eliminating harmful pressure differentials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vial access device is designed to be versatile for various vial shapes and sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vial access device with universal components that can accommodate various vial shapes and sizes. The pressure equalization chamber and sealing mechanism are configured to work with different vial geometries without requiring multiple specialized devices. This multi-functional design achieves versatility while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into modular segments including a separable piercing component, pressure equalization chamber, and fluid extraction mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for versatility, while the modular assembly maintains overall device simplicity. The segmented design enables adaptation to various vial types without increasing overall complexity.
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 device maintains stable pressure within the vial, reducing leakage and contamination risks, enabling accurate dosing and compatibility with diverse vial shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the reservoir expands or contracts in order to substantially equilibrate pressure on opposite sides of the reservoir
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, a vial access device for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member extending from a base of an insertion member and a reservoir. The reservoir can be contained within the piercing member and the insertion member, such that the reservoir is introduced to the vial when piercing member is inserted into the vial. The piercing member is adapted to be opened inside the vial to expose the reservoir to the contents inside the vial. The vial access device is configured to have a locking mechanism that prevents the piercing member from being inserted into the vial unless the vial access device is fully coupled to the vial and also prevents the piercing member from being withdrawn from the vial without uncoupling the vial access device from the vial. In some embodiments, the reservoir expands or contracts within the vial as liquid is removed from or added to the vial via the vial access device, thereby regulating pressure within the vial.