Vial Docking Device With Tapered Collar And Lever Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid transfer systems, such as those using Mini-Bag Plus and Vial-Mate Adaptor devices, are not efficient for quickly and cost-effectively docking vials with various containers, especially considering the need for secure fluid communication and adaptability to different vial diameters.
Innovation Solution
A device with a platform and lever arm mechanism that securely docks vials with containers using a tapered collar and cap system, allowing for fluid communication while accommodating vials of various diameters and enabling easy assembly and disassembly with a low spatial footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing medical fluid transfer systems (Mini-Bag Plus, Vial-Mate Adaptor) are used, then fluid communication between vials and containers can be established, but the docking process is not efficient, costly, and has large spatial footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base with cavity for container placement, a removable platform for cap positioning, and a lever arm with plunger for vial compression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, contributing to overall quick and easy docking
Solution Approach 2:
The container is placed in the base cavity and the cap is positioned on the platform before the actual docking action. The tapered collar and cap are pre-configured to guide the vial into proper alignment, so that when the lever arm is actuated, the docking occurs rapidly without requiring complex real-time adjustments
2Ease of manufacture
If existing adapter devices are used, then fluid connection can be established, but the cost is high and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal applicability through the tapered collar that can accommodate vials of various diameters, and the cavity that can hold different container types. The platform can be removed and replaced to accommodate different cap configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered collar and cap automatically guide and center the vial during the docking process without requiring external alignment tools or complex positioning mechanisms. The ledge on the cap self-secures during compression, and the notches automatically release the cap after docking, making the device operate with minimal user intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If secure docking is ensured for various vial diameters, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered collar is designed with a gradual angle that can accommodate vials of various diameters through parameter variation in the taper angle and length. This allows the same structural form to adapt to different vial sizes without requiring multiple specialized components, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies localized features for adaptability: the tapered collar provides radial adaptation for different vial diameters, while the ledge on the cap provides localized securement during compression. These localized quality variations allow the device to handle various vial types without requiring complex overall restructuring
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for docking a vial with a container adapter is disclosed. An adapter may be used to establish fluid communication between the vial and a container. The adapter may be positioned within an aperture in a platform of the device. A notch may be placed adjacent to the first aperture so that the vial and adapter 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 adapter. The platform may be removable, contain multiple apertures, or may be configured to receive various adapter types.