Vial Adapter With Ratchet-Controlled Syringe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting a syringe to a vial lack effective mechanisms to limit access to medicament and control the number of syringe uses or medicament doses during fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
A vial adapter system with a compressible member and a gasket mechanism that blocks or allows fluid flow based on syringe attachment, and a cam track or ratchet mechanism to limit syringe usage, ensuring controlled medicament access and dose management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vial adapter allows multiple syringe attachments for multiple dose applications, then the versatility and productivity are improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is pre-configured with a cam track and ratchet mechanism that automatically limits the number of syringe attachments to a predetermined value (e.g., 2 doses). This preliminary action prevents unauthorized multiple accesses before they can occur, resolving the contradiction by built-in control rather than external monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism provides mechanical feedback with each syringe attachment, advancing the cam member along the cam track. This feedback system tracks the number of uses and automatically prevents further attachments after the predetermined limit is reached, ensuring substance protection while allowing legitimate multiple doses.
2Reliability
If a vial adapter includes a cam track and ratchet mechanism to limit syringe uses, then the reliability and substance protection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member acts as an intermediary between the syringe attachment action and the fluid flow control. It translates the simple act of attaching a syringe into automatic advancement along the cam track, which in turn activates the ratchet mechanism to control the fluid pathway, thereby managing complexity through functional intermediation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is self-actuating through the mechanical action of syringe attachment itself. Each attachment automatically advances the cam member and engages the ratchet, without requiring external power, sensors, or complex control systems. This self-service approach achieves reliable use limitation while minimizing added complexity.
3Loss of substance
If a compressible member blocks the outlet aperture when no syringe is attached, then the substance protection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible member is pre-positioned to block the outlet aperture before any syringe is attached. This preliminary blocking action ensures substance protection is automatically in place, and the simple act of attaching a syringe automatically overrides this blockage through the cam member mechanism, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible member transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic state where it is automatically displaced by the cam member during syringe attachment. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain protection when idle while enabling easy, automatic access when needed, without requiring manual intervention to switch states.
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 system effectively limits syringe usage and medicament access, ensuring controlled fluid transfer and preventing unauthorized access or multiple doses, enhancing safety and precision in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Attachment of a syringe to the syringe connector may (e.g., axially) compress the compressible member. For example, the compressible member may be compressed from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration.
Implementation Method 2
In the expanded configuration, the compressible member may block the outlet aperture and/or prevent fluid flow from the fluid conduit to the syringe connector. In the compressed configuration the outlet aperture may be exposed and/or the fluid conduit may be in fluid communication with the syringe connector.
Implementation Method 3
The gasket may be movable through the fluid conduit, for example to a distalmost position. In the distalmost position, the gasket may engage the circumferential wall, for example to block the aperture and/or prevent fluid flow from the cannula to the syringe connector portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A vial adapter may include a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A syringe connector configured to engage a syringe may be proximate the proximal end of the body. A cannula configured to pierce a septum of a vial may be disposed proximate the distal end of the body. A vial attachment portion may be disposed at the distal end of the body. A fluid conduit may extend from an outlet aperture at the syringe connector to the cannula. A compressible member may be disposed within the syringe connector. The syringe connector may axially compress the compressible member from an expanded configuration, in which the compressible member blocks the outlet aperture and prevents fluid flow from the fluid conduit to the syringe connector, to a compressed configuration, in which the outlet aperture is exposed.