Vial Grip Assembly with Biasing Mechanism for Constant Engagement Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vial adapters require significant force to connect with drug vials, often leading to instability and potential damage during the attachment process, as existing assembly fixtures do not consistently provide a stable vial engagement force across varying vial sizes.
Innovation Solution
An assembly fixture device featuring a base with a vial grip assembly that includes movable grip members and a biasing mechanism to maintain a constant vial engagement force, ensuring the vial is centered and securely held, regardless of size, by using a handle that moves between positions to engage and hold both the vial adapter and the vial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional assembly fixtures are used to connect vial adapter to vial, then the connection force is sufficient to secure the adapter, but the vial engagement force becomes unstable and varies with vial size, leading to potential damage or deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture employs a dynamic compression mechanism with movable grip members that can adjust their position and apply force based on the specific vial size. The compression member is biased by a spring and can be actuated to apply controlled compressive force to the vial, allowing stable engagement across different vial dimensions while preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the grip members, including their elasticity modulus and geometric dimensions, to optimize the compression characteristics. The compression member is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform controllably under compression, providing consistent engagement force across various vial sizes while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If significant force is applied to connect the vial adapter, then the adapter secures to the vial, but the vial may be deformed or crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture incorporates a compression member with elastic properties that acts as a cushioning element. This member is pre-biased by a spring and designed to deform controllably during the connection process, absorbing excess force and preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the vial. The elastic deformation of the compression member provides a safety mechanism that protects the vial from crushing while still achieving secure adapter attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member is designed with specific elastic modulus and geometric parameters that allow it to deform within safe limits. The elastic properties are tuned to provide sufficient compression for secure connection while preventing excessive deformation that could damage the vial. The spring bias force is also optimized to provide cushioning during the connection process.
3Measurement precision
If the vial is not centered properly, then the piercing member may not pierce the center of the stopper, but positioning mechanisms add complexity to the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture employs self-centering mechanisms where the grip members and support surfaces are designed to automatically position the vial correctly during the connection process. The geometry of the grip members and the biasing forces work together to ensure the vial is centered on the piercing member without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms. The system uses the vial's own geometry and the fixture's symmetric design to achieve automatic alignment.
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 device ensures a consistent vial engagement force, preventing vial deformation or crushing, and effectively centers the vial for precise piercing, regardless of vial size, enhancing the stability and reliability of the attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the first grip member toward the second grip member with the vial engagement force
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly fixture device for attaching a vial adapter to a vial includes a base, a support member secured to the base, a handle connected to the support member, a vial adapter grip assembly connected to the handle and comprising an adapter grip member configured to engage and hold a vial adapter, and a vial grip assembly connected to the base comprising first and second grip members that are movable relative to each other and configured to engage and hold a vial. The first grip member is biased toward the second grip member to provide a vial engagement force, where the vial engagement force is about constant when a distance between the first and second grip members is less than 40 mm.