Cartridge with flexible bag for injecting a pharmaceutical solution and method for manufacturing the cartridge
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11097054-B2
Publication Date
2021-08-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cartridge (10) for injecting a pharmaceutical solution includes at least one flexible small bag (18, 22) made of thin film walls, having a chamber (12, 14) containing a pharmaceutical substance (S, P, L) and having a head surface (37) being outwardly convex. A syringe (100) for injecting a pharmaceutical solution (S) includes a body (102) extended along a main axis (X), an accommodating space (120) to accommodate a cartridge (10), and a plunger (110) with a head (113) being dome-shaped and convex towards the space (120), preferably asymmetrical with respect to the main axis (X). An injection kit for injecting a pharmaceutical solution including a syringe (100) and at least one cartridge (100).
Core Innovation
A cartridge for injecting a pharmaceutical solution is accommodated into a syringe and comprises at least a fully flexible bag extending along a main axis. The bag comprises a dome-shaped and outwardly convex head with a surface having an asymmetrical curvature, and the head and the lateral walls are entirely made of flexible thin film walls.
The first and second lateral walls extend along the main axis and together with the dome-shaped head define a chamber containing a pharmaceutical substance. The bag narrows from the first and second lateral walls to a top of the head, creating a cooperating geometry with a syringe in which a plunger head with a dome-shaped and asymmetrical form empties the cartridge. The cartridge geometry is configured to enable complete emptying and improved dosage precision.
In some implementations, the cartridge is configured as a single- or dual-chamber cartridge, including a dividing wall that can be breakable to separate chambers containing different solution components. The cartridge further includes features for needle mounting and mechanical engaging/counter-engaging with the syringe, and includes a syringe geometry with accommodating space and a light/channel for needle access.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim covering the cartridge structure, with dependent claims refining the inventive concept by adding specific geometric relationships, forming methods, material structures, needle-related features, syringe-engaging features, and a dual-chamber configuration with a breakable dividing wall.
Fully flexible dome-shaped thin-film cartridge bag for syringe injection
A cartridge for injecting a pharmaceutical solution accommodated into a syringe, comprising at least a fully flexible bag extending along a main axis, with a dome-shaped and outwardly convex head whose surface has an asymmetrical curvature, and flexible thin film walls for the head and lateral walls. The first and second lateral walls extend along the main axis and are connected along lateral edges to the head and to a bottom edge, with the head and lateral walls defining a chamber containing a pharmaceutical substance, wherein the bag narrows from the lateral walls to a top of the head.
Asymmetrical bend and narrowing relationship of lateral walls
A cartridge wherein the bottom-edge-side geometry includes an asymmetrical bend formed by a first lateral wall that narrows toward the bag bottom edge while a second lateral wall extends substantially parallel to the main axis.
Thermoforming or blow molding of selected bag regions
A cartridge in which the bottom portion of the first lateral wall and/or the head surface is formed by thermoforming or blow molding.
Polyethylene film structure of the thin-film walls
A cartridge in which the thin film is either a monolayer polyethylene film or a multilayer film having an inner polyethylene layer.
Needle and needle-carrying component applied to the bag head
A cartridge including a needle applied to a bag using a needle-carrying component at the surface of the head.
Mechanical engaging and counter-engaging features with the syringe
A cartridge configured with engaging elements and counter-engaging means to lock the cartridge to the syringe.
Dual-chamber cartridge with breakable dividing wall for mixing components
A cartridge in which two bag sections define a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a breakable dividing wall, enabling mixing of different solution components contained in the separate chambers.
Overall, the claims cover a fully flexible, thin-film, dome-shaped asymmetrical-head cartridge bag that narrows toward the head and defines a chamber for a pharmaceutical substance, including optional refinements for asymmetrical wall geometry, thermoforming or blow molding of regions, polyethylene-based film structures, needle mounting via a needle-carrying component, syringe locking via engaging/counter-engaging features, and dual-chamber operation using a breakable dividing wall.
Stated Advantages
Reduced dose imprecision from reduced stasis.
Improved safety and dosing accuracy for double-chamber mixing.
Lower manufacturing costs compared with glass phials through use of thin films.
Documented Applications
Use of the cartridge as part of an injection kit for injecting a pharmaceutical solution when accommodated into a syringe.
Single- or dual-chamber mixing of solution components using a breakable dividing wall in the cartridge.
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