Vial Docking Device With Tapered Centering And Lever Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring medical fluids from vials to alternate containers, such as intravenous bags, are not efficient, cost-effective, or space-efficient, lacking a reliable mechanism for establishing fluid communication.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cavity and notch for accepting a container portion, featuring a plate with an aperture for the cap and a lever arm mechanism to center and pierce the vial, allowing for quick and secure docking with a cap that establishes fluid communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used to transfer medical fluids from vials to alternate containers, then fluid transfer can be accomplished, but the process is not efficient, cost-effective, or space-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the cap positioned within the cavity, and the vial is pre-aligned using the tapered collar and centering features. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual positioning and alignment during the actual transfer process, significantly improving efficiency and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the docking process into distinct functional zones: the cavity for container placement, the plate with aperture for cap positioning, the tapered collar for vial centering, and the piercing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, streamlining the overall fluid transfer process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a docking device is designed to accommodate various container styles and sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs universal features such as the tapered collar that can center different vial types, the cavity that can accommodate various container shapes and sizes, and the plate with aperture that can secure different cap configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to handle diverse container types without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses localized adaptive features within the cavity and plate structure that can conform to different container geometries. The tapered portion and centering mechanisms provide local adjustments that accommodate various vial types while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device structure.
3Reliability
If a secure docking mechanism is implemented to ensure reliable fluid communication, then reliability is improved, but the ease of disconnection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism transitions from a static to a dynamic state during operation. The lever arm provides a mechanical advantage that enables easy insertion and secure docking, while the same mechanical structure allows for simple disengagement by reversing the lever action. This dynamic mechanism maintains reliability during docking while preserving ease of operation for disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate with aperture acts as an intermediary between the cap and the vial, providing a secure docking interface that ensures reliable fluid communication. The aperture in the plate allows the cap to be held in place while maintaining a sealed connection, and the same structure facilitates easy removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for docking a vial with a container is disclosed. A cap may be used to establish fluid communication between the vial and a container. The cap may be positioned within a first aperture in the device which is positioned below a second aperture which is sized to accept the vial. The second aperture may contain a taper so that the vial may automatically center above the piercing aperture of the cap. A notch may be placed adjacent to the first aperture so that the vial and cap may be removed horizontally from the device. A cavity may be positioned below the first aperture to accept at least a portion of a container which may be in fluid communication with the cap.