Vial Adapter Orthogonal Cap Coupling for Precise Spike Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vial adapters face challenges in achieving proper force and leverage balance when coupling with smaller vials, and they provide imprecise means to position a spike within the vial, which can lead to damage or incomplete extraction of valuable medications.
Innovation Solution
A vial adapter with a needleless connector, an elongated piercing spike, and a coupling member that allows orthogonal reception of a vial cap and controlled longitudinal movement to precisely position the spike for fluid connectivity, ensuring accurate and complete extraction of medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vial adapters use a fixed coupling mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the force and leverage balance is insufficient when coupling with smaller vials
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member incorporates a movable arm that can shift position along the vial cap flange, transforming a static coupling mechanism into a dynamic one. This allows the adapter to adapt its leverage arm length based on vial size, providing better force balance for smaller vials while maintaining simplicity through a single movable component rather than multiple adjustable parts
2Measurement precision
If conventional vial adapters use a fixed spike position, then the structure is simple, but the spike positioning precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing spike is coupled to the movable arm, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically as the arm shifts. This creates a simple yet effective positioning mechanism where the spike's final position is determined by the arm's movement along the flange, achieving precise positioning without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm and spike positioning system operates automatically based on the coupling forces applied during vial attachment. The system self-adjusts to the appropriate position through the mechanical interaction between the arm, flange, and spike, eliminating the need for manual positioning or additional control mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vial adapters are designed for standard vials, then the design is simple, but the adaptability to smaller vials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a movable arm that can accommodate different vial sizes by adjusting its position along the flange. This single structural feature enables the adapter to function with both standard and smaller vials, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate adapter designs for different vial types
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic coupling mechanism with the movable arm allows the adapter to adapt its geometry to match different vial sizes. The arm can be positioned to provide appropriate leverage and alignment for various vial dimensions, enabling one adapter design to serve multiple vial size requirements
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vial adapter for side engagement of a vial cap includes a needleless connector having a housing and defining one or more fluid pathways therein; an elongated piercing spike operatively coupled to the needleless connector, the elongated piercing spike having a longitudinal axis and one or more channels for fluid connectivity with the one or more fluid pathways; at least one housing arm coupled to the housing and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a coupling member configured to orthogonally receive a vial cap with respect to the longitudinal axis, the coupling member having a planar surface, an aperture of the planar surface longitudinally aligned with the elongated piercing spike, and at least one support arm extending from the planar surface operatively coupled with the at least one housing arm to allow relative longitudinal movement between the coupling member and the elongated piercing spike.