Vial Adaptor Pressure Equalization via Mediator Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of medical contents from vials to administering devices like syringes poses risks of fluid spillage and aerosolization due to pressure and vacuum buildup, leading to adverse health implications.
Innovation Solution
A vial adaptor system with a first and second housing, a spike, and a sheath that allows pressure equalization by displacing air from one chamber to another, preventing fluid spillage and aerosolization during fluid transfer between a vial and a syringe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is transferred from vial to syringe without pressure equalization, then fluid transfer efficiency is improved, but pressure buildup causes fluid spillage and aerosolization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator chamber that acts as an intermediary between the vial and syringe. This chamber receives air from the vial during fluid withdrawal, preventing pressure vacuum buildup that would cause fluid spillage and aerosolization at the connection point. The mediator chamber thus enables efficient fluid transfer while eliminating the harmful effects of pressure imbalance.
2Ease of operation
If spike protrudes into vial for fluid access, then fluid access is improved, but risk of aerosolization at disconnection point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator chamber serves as an intermediary space that captures air displacement during fluid transfer. By positioning this chamber between the spike in the vial and the syringe connection, it prevents pressure vacuum from forming at the disconnection point, thereby eliminating aerosolization while maintaining easy fluid access through the protruding spike.
3Reliability
If vial is sealed to prevent contamination, then sterility is improved, but pressure equalization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the mediator chamber is integrated within the adapter assembly, and the spike penetrates the vial stopper while the mediator chamber remains contained within the adapter housing. This nesting allows the sealed vial to maintain sterility while the integrated mediator chamber automatically manages pressure equalization through the air channel, without requiring additional external components.
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 ensures safe and controlled transfer of medical fluids by maintaining pressure equilibrium, reducing the risk of spillage and aerosolization, and minimizing exposure to hazardous drugs.
Implementation Method 1
providing pressure equalization in the vial when the content is drawn out of the vial such that there is no buildup of pressure or vacuum to cause spillage or aerosolizing
Data Source
AI summary
A vial adaptor comprises first and second housings coupled to each other, a sheath enclosing the first and second housings, and a spike disposed in the first and second housings. The first and second housings form a first chamber therein. The sheath and the first and second housings form therebetween a second chamber in air communication with the first chamber. The second housing is slidable relative to the first housing to cause the spike piercing through a front stopper to establish air and fluid communication with a vial attached to the vial adaptor, meanwhile to vary the volume of the first chamber and press the air into the second chamber. Upon a fluid being drawn from the vial, the air in the first and second chambers enters the vial to compensate the pressure reduction caused by the fluid drawn out to prevent fluid spillage or aerosolizing from the vial.