Vial Adapter With Deformable Claws for Multi-Size Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vial adapters are limited in their ability to securely attach to vials of varying sizes, pose a risk of inadvertent puncture to operators due to exposed sharp cannulas, and require multiple types to accommodate different vial closures, leading to logistical and financial challenges for medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A vial adapter with a housing featuring a circular array of claws that deform to accommodate different vial diameters, a shroud to protect against punctures, and a resealable needle-free valve for safe fluid transfer, allowing a single adapter to fit multiple vial sizes and eliminate the need for separate adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vial adapter is designed to securely attach to a specific vial closure size, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different vial sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates multiple sets of claws with different lengths, where each set is optimized for engagement with specific vial closure sizes. This segmentation allows the adapter to maintain reliable attachment for various vial diameters without compromising the reliability for any single size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple vial closure sizes (e.g., 13mm and 20mm) through its multi-configurable claw structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adapters for different vial sizes while maintaining secure attachment for each size.
2Productivity
If a sharp cannula is used to pierce the vial closure, then the fluid communication is established effectively, but the safety of the operator deteriorates due to risk of puncture
Solution Approach 1:
A protective shroud is introduced as an intermediary component that surrounds and shields the sharp cannula. This shroud allows the sharp cannula to effectively pierce the vial closure while simultaneously protecting the operator from accidental punctures, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of adapters are maintained for different vial closure sizes, then the adaptability to various vials is improved, but the device complexity and storage requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates multiple sets of claws with different lengths, where each set is optimized for engagement with specific vial closure sizes. This segmentation allows the adapter to maintain reliable attachment for various vial diameters without compromising the reliability for any single size.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter merges the functions of multiple single-size adapters into one multi-functional device. By integrating claws of different lengths within a single adapter body, the design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate adapters, reducing complexity and storage requirements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the shroud is designed to fully protect the sharp cannula, then the operator safety is improved, but the adaptability to different vial sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deform and adapt to different vial closure diameters while maintaining continuous protection over the sharp cannula. The shroud can elastically deform to accommodate varying sizes without compromising either the protective function or the adaptability.
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 adapter securely attaches to vials of various sizes, protects operators from punctures, and reduces the need for multiple adapter types, enhancing safety and reducing storage and procurement costs for medical facilities by enabling a single adapter to handle different vial closures.
Implementation Method 1
A sharp cannula is inserted into the access port piercing the rubber stopper to position the distal, open end of the cannula past the rubber stopper to make fluid connection with the interior of the vial
Implementation Method 2
each of the second set of claws adapted such that when the vial adapter is placed over a closure exceeding a selected diameter, each of the second set of claws will deflect and plastically deform thereby permitting the second set of claws to accommodate the larger closure
Data Source
AI summary
A vial adapter having a needle-free valve, a sharpened cannula used to perforate a vial's rubber stopper, and a circular array of claws of different lengths to engage vial closures of different diameters. The array of claws includes a first set of claws each having a first length extending inwardly from the periphery of the housing of the adapter and a second set of claws alternating with the first set of claws and each having a longer length. The second set of claws are mounted so that they deflect and plastically deform out of the way in the case where the adapter is engaged with a vial that exceeds a predetermined size. The housing includes a shroud that is at least as long as the sharpened cannula to protect medical personnel who use the adapter from inadvertent punctures. The needle-free valve includes a resiliently deformable piston element with a naturally open bore. The interior of the piston provides a fluid flow path through the adapter. In one embodiment, the first set of claws of the adapter may be used with a vial closure of at approximately 20 mm in diameter and the second set of claws may be used with a vial closure of approximately 13 to 17 mm in diameter.