Coupling mechanism, fluid connector assembly and method for coupling fluid connector assembly

Abstract

Coupling mechanisms, fluid connector assemblies, and methods for coupling fluid connection assemblies are disclosed. When the connectors of the fluid connector assembly are connected to each other, respective compressible members in the connectors are displaced, allowing downstream fluid to pass through the fluid connector assembly. The fluid connector assembly may also include a coupling mechanism for providing a connection between the connectors and maintaining a connection providing a threshold retention force. When an external force greater than a threshold force is applied to the fluid connector assembly, the connector may be disengaged while the coupling mechanism may remain intact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to a fluid connector assembly including medical connectors that separate from each other due to an applied force, wherein each medical connector is designed to automatically seal their respective fluid paths. The separation may be due to intentional or unintentional separation between the medical connectors. Background Art

[0002] A peripheral intravenous ("PIVC") catheter is a medical tool that is inserted into a patient's peripheral vein to deliver medical fluids to the patient. In one exemplary application, the medical fluid is delivered to the patient, and the PIVC catheter is subsequently removed from the patient by a medical professional. However, these catheters are often unintentionally displaced. For example, a catheter line that is subjected to unintentional or unexpected tension may pull on the IV tubing, thereby pulling the catheter out of the patient. In other cases, the catheter is accidentally removed from the patient and the medical professional. Unintentional or unexpected displacement may result in patient blood loss, loss of IV fluid, and delays in IV fluid delivery. Summary of the invention

[0003] In accordance with at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that inadvertent displacement or disconnection of a medical connection, such as a medical fluid line, may result in harm to a patient or medical professional, such as by depriving the patient of medication, increasing the likelihood of infection for the patient, and exposing the medical professional to drugs.

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly having a medical connector, each of which includes one or more fluid paths that respond to unintentional or unexpected external forces by separating from each other and sealing their respective fluid paths. Separation can include automatic separation using a bellows or other elastically compressible member that decompresses and returns to its original shape when an external force is no longer acting thereon. Advantageously, the fluid connector assembly described herein can limit or prevent patient blood loss, IV fluid loss, infection, and medical delivery delays. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure provide a connection mechanism that facilitates the connection of the fluid connector assembly when the fluid connector assembly is separated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present invention. The accompanying drawings include the following figures:

[0006] Figure 1 An IV set coupled to a patient is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2A side view of an assembled fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a connector of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 A side view of a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a fluid connector and a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 7A-7B A view showing a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a coupling mechanism coupled to a fluid connector assembly is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and technologies are not shown in detail to avoid blurring the subject technology.

[0016] Furthermore, although the present specification sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that the present specification is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Additionally, it is contemplated that although specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an IV kit, these embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Furthermore, various applications of these embodiments and modifications thereof that may occur to a person skilled in the art are also included in the general concepts described herein.

[0017] The disclosed coupler assembly overcomes several challenges found with respect to certain IV catheters. When the force applied to the catheter is greater than the force that the fixing method is designed to withstand, the catheter may be displaced. In this case, the nurse may need to replace the catheter, which is painful for the patient and requires the nurse to invest additional costs and time to insert a new catheter. Examples of such catheter displacement situations include patients rolling over in bed or catching their IV lines on bed rails, transferring patients to different beds, pediatric patients fidgeting, visitors catching lines, and / or disoriented adult patients pulling out their lines. Because accidental or unintentional displacement of tubing, catheters, or accessories may interrupt the administration of medical fluids and may cause patient discomfort, it is undesirable to use certain conventional IV lines.

[0018] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a coupler and coupler / connector assembly as described herein that allows the IV line to be disconnected at a point of the coupler assembly. The disconnection point can help avoid catheter displacement and can provide an easy reconnection point that is additionally easy to clean.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure includes various features and advantages of a fluid connector assembly having a medical connector that seals their respective fluid paths when the medical connectors are separated from each other. The medical connectors can each include a compressible member that decompresses in response to separation, thereby providing automatic sealing of the respective fluid paths. The fluid connector assembly can further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the fluid connector assembly that allows for a non-permanent connection that prevents excessive strain and limits gap openings to minimize the growth of microorganisms.

[0020] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An IV set 1 coupled to a patient 10 is shown according to aspects of the present disclosure. The IV set 1 includes a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, and tubing 22. The tubing 22 extends between the drip chamber 14 and the fluid connector assembly 100 of the IV set 1. To prevent the tubing 16 or catheter 18 from being inadvertently dislodged or disconnected from the patient, tape is placed on the tubing 16 and catheter so that the tape engages the tubing 22, catheter, and patient 10.

[0021] Figure 2 1 shows a side view of a fluid connector assembly 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the fluid connector assembly 100 is designed for use in medical applications, such as an IV set 1 (e.g., Figure 1 shown) and other IV medical fluid delivery applications using catheters (including PIVC catheters).

[0022] As shown, the fluid connector assembly 100 may include a connector 102 and a connector 112 coupled to the connector 102 and a coupling mechanism 200. The connector 102 and the connector 112 may be referred to as a first connector and a second connector, respectively. However, "first" and "second" may be interchangeable. In addition, each of the connectors 102 and 112 may be referred to as a medical connector. When the connectors 102 and 112 are as shown in FIG. Figure 2 When connected to each other as shown, a fluid path for the medical fluid is established through the fluid connector assembly 100.

[0023] In some embodiments, connector 112 is connected to a medical fluid (not shown). Additionally, in some embodiments, connector 102 is connected to a catheter line (not shown) that delivers the medical fluid to the catheter.

[0024] refer to Figure 3 , the connector 102 may include a first end 102A and a second end 102B opposite the first end 102A. The connector 102 may include an outer surface 104 and an inner surface 106. The outer surface 104 may include one or more threads 108 positioned at the second end 102B of the connector 102. The connector 102 may include a hollow or substantially hollow body that carries one or more components. For example, a compressible member 110 may be housed within the connector 102.

[0025] In some embodiments, the compressible member 110 comprises an elastic valve member or bellows that can be elastically compressed. Thus, the compressible member 110 can be compressed by an external force and then return to its original uncompressed form when the external force is removed. The compressible member 110 can be designed to regulate the flow of fluid through the connector 102.

[0026] Similar to the connector 102, the connector 112 may include a first end 112A and a second end 112B opposite the first end 112A. The connector 112 may further include a forward portion 114. In some embodiments, the forward portion 114 may be formed separately from the connector 112 and connected near the first end 112A by any suitable connecting device. In other embodiments, the forward portion 114 may be formed as a unitary structure with the connector 112. The connector 112 may include an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 118. The connector 112 may include a hollow or substantially hollow body that carries one or more components. For example, the connector 112 may include a valve member 120. The valve member 120 may be configured to contact the compressible member 110 when the connectors 102, 112 are connected.

[0027] refer to Figure 4-Figure 5, the fluid connector assembly 100 may further include a coupling mechanism 200 coupled to the connectors 102, 112. The coupling mechanism 200 may include a first member 202, also referred to as an anchoring cap, and a second member 212, also referred to as a snap cap. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism 200 is manufactured by injection molding and is formed of polycarbonate, however the coupling mechanism 200 need not be so limited. For example, the coupling mechanism may be formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylic resin.

[0028] refer to Fig. 7A , the first member 202 may include a first end 202A and a second end 202B opposite the first end. The second end 202B may include a first coupling portion 204 for coupling to the second member 212. In some embodiments, the first coupling portion 204 may be threaded. The first member 202 may include an inner surface 206 and an outer surface 208. The first coupling portion 204 may be recessed relative to the outer surface 208 of the first member 202. In other words, the first member 202 may include a stepped profile along the longitudinal length of the first member 202 at the first coupling portion. The first member 202 may be generally hollow for accommodating at least a portion of the connector 102. The first member 202 may further include an opening 210 positioned at the first end 202A.

[0029] refer to Figure 7B to Figure 9 , the second member 212 may include a first end 212A and a second end 212B opposite the first end 212A. The second end 212B may include a second coupling portion 214 for coupling to the first coupling portion 204 of the first member 202. In some embodiments, the second coupling portion 214 may be threaded. The second member 212 may include an inner surface 216 and an outer surface 218. The second coupling portion 214 may be recessed relative to the inner surface 216 of the second member 212. In other words, the second member 212 may include a stepped profile along the longitudinal length of the inner surface 216 of the second member 212 at the second coupling portion. The second member 212 may be generally hollow for accommodating at least a portion of the connector 102. The second member 212 may further include an opening 220 at the second end 212B. The opening 220 may include one or more ribs, also referred to as internal bosses 222, disposed on the inner surface 216 along the periphery of the opening 220 and extending inwardly toward the center of the opening 220.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second member 212 includes first and second ribs 222 disposed along opposite sides of the periphery of the opening 220. The ribs 222 may include a concave profile. The second member 212 may further include one or more protrusions 224. The protrusions 224 may be disposed on the inner surface 216 near the second end 212B. The protrusions 224 may extend inwardly toward the center of the opening 220. In some embodiments, the second member 212 includes first and second protrusions 224 disposed on opposite sides of the second member 212. The second member 212 may include a plurality of slits 226 disposed adjacent to the protrusions 224 and extending through the outer surface 218. The slits 226 may allow the protrusions 224 to bend relative to the outer surface 218 of the second member 212.

[0031] refer to Figure 6 , when the second member 212 is coupled to the connector 102, the rib 222 can contact the outer surface 104 of the connector 102. In particular, the concave profile of the rib 222 can be complementary to the threads 108 of the threaded portion of the connector 102. In addition, when the second member 212 is coupled to the connector 102, the connector 102 can be substantially contained in the interior cavity of the second member, such that only a portion of the compressible member 110 extends beyond the second end 212B of the second member 212.

[0032] When the connector 112 is coupled to the connector 102, the first end 112A can be received within the opening 220 of the second member 212 so that the outer surface 116 can contact the ribs 222 and / or the protrusions 224. The positioning of the ribs 222 and the protrusions 224 can be such that the gap between the outer surface 116 and the ribs 222 is limited, thereby minimizing the opportunity for microbial growth.

[0033] The connectors 102, 112 may remain coupled until subjected to a separation force. The separation force may pull the first connector 102 away from the second connector 112, or the second connector 112 away from the first connector 102. When the first connector 102 and the second connector 112 are coupled, the separation force may act along the central axis of the first connector and the second connector. When the first connector 102 and the second connector 112 are coupled, the separation force may be a resultant force acting along their central axes, or a force acting on the first connector 102 or on the second connector 112, or on the first portion of the pipe or on the second portion of the pipe.

[0034] When the separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold force, the separation force may separate the first connector 102 from the second connector 112. For example, if the separation force is less than the predetermined threshold force, the first connector 102 may not separate from the second connector 112. The predetermined threshold force prevents unintentional or accidental separation based on small forces or movements. When the connectors 102, 112 are separated, the coupling mechanism 200 may remain coupled to the connector 102.

[0035] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold force is approximately 5 pounds (lbs).The predetermined threshold force can be approximately 1 lb to approximately 8 lbs, approximately 3 lbs to approximately 7 lbs, approximately 4 lbs to approximately 6 lbs, or greater than 8 lbs.

[0036] Some embodiments herein relate to methods for assembling a fluid connector assembly 100. For example, the connector 102 may first be positioned inside the first member 202 such that the first end 102A is positioned within and proximate to the opening 210. The second member 212 may then be coupled to the first member 202 such that the first coupling portion 204 is coupled to the second coupling portion 214. With the first member 202 and the second member 212 coupled to each other, the connector 102 may be substantially contained within the coupling mechanism 200. The connector 112 may then be coupled to the connector 102 such that the first end 112A of the connector 112 is positioned within or proximate to the opening 220.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first member 202 and the second member 212 may be coupled to each other prior to positioning the connector 102 within the coupling mechanism 200 .

[0038] Features of the present disclosure provide first and second compressible members that can be used as valves to regulate a fluid passage between them. The first and second compressible members are located in the first and second connectors, respectively. If the first and second connectors are separated, whether accidentally or intentionally, the fluid path for each of the first and second compressible members is closed or blocked to prevent fluid loss therefrom. Features of the present disclosure also provide that when the first and second compressible members are separated, any one of the first and second compressible members can be cleaned and disinfected, and the first and second compressible members can be coupled together again to form a fluid passage between them.

[0039] Description of the subject technology as an item

[0040] For example, the subject technology is illustrated according to the various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the subject technology are described below as numbered (1, 2, 3, etc.) clauses. These are provided only as examples and do not limit the present technology. It should be noted that each of the dependent clauses can be combined in any combination and placed into their own independent clauses, such as clause 1, clause 9, or clause 15. Other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

[0041] Item 1: A coupling mechanism for a fluid connector assembly, the coupling mechanism comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and a second member comprising: a first end; a second end configured to be removably coupled to the first member; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end having an opening and one or more ribs, wherein the one or more ribs are arranged along a periphery of the opening and extend inwardly toward a center of the opening for engaging a portion of the fluid connector assembly, and wherein, when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the fluid connector assembly, one end of the fluid connector assembly extends beyond the second end of the second member.

[0042] Item 2: According to the coupling mechanism as described above, the first member further includes a first coupling portion, and the second member further includes a second coupling portion, and wherein, when the first member and the second member are coupled, an outer surface of the first coupling portion cooperates with an inner surface of the second coupling portion.

[0043] Clause 3: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are threaded.

[0044] Item 4: According to the connection mechanism as described above, the second member further includes at least one protrusion arranged on the inner surface of the second member near the second end, and wherein the at least one protrusion extends inwardly toward the center of the opening of the second member and is configured to connect to a portion of the fluid connection assembly.

[0045] Clause 5: According to the coupling mechanism as described above, wherein at least one protrusion is configured to be bent relative to other portions of the second member.

[0046] Clause 6: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the at least one protrusion is provided at a position closer to the second end of the second member than the one or more ribs.

[0047] Clause 7: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when the separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0048] Item 8: According to the coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the one or more ribs include a first rib arranged along a first side of the periphery and a second rib arranged along a second side of the periphery opposite to the first side, and wherein each of the first rib and the second rib includes a concave portion.

[0049] Item 9: A fluid connector assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector for connecting to the first connector; and a connecting mechanism configured to connect to the first connector, the connecting mechanism having: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a second member having a first end configured to be removably connected to the second end of the first member and a second end opposite the first end, and having at least one rib; wherein, when the connecting mechanism is connected to the first connector, at least a portion of the first connector is disposed in an internal cavity formed by the connecting mechanism, and wherein, when the connecting mechanism is connected to the first connector, at least one rib contacts an outer surface of the first connector.

[0050] Item 10: A fluid connector assembly as described above, wherein the second member further includes at least one protrusion disposed at the second end, and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to contact a portion of the second connector when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first connector and the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

[0051] Clause 11: A fluid connector assembly as described above, wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to bend relative to another portion of the second member.

[0052] Item 12: According to the fluid connector assembly as described above, the first component also includes a first connecting portion, and the second component also includes a second connecting portion, and wherein, when the first component and the second component are connected, the outer surface of the first connecting portion cooperates with the inner surface of the second connecting portion.

[0053] Clause 13: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are threaded.

[0054] Clause 14: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when the separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0055] Clause 15: A method for coupling a fluid connection assembly, the method comprising:

[0056] A first connector and a second connector are provided, the first connector having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a coupling mechanism is provided, the coupling mechanism having: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a second member having a first end configured to be detachably coupled to the second end of the first member, and a second end opposite to the first end and having at least one rib; positioning the first end of the first connector in an interior of the first member of the coupling mechanism; detachably coupling the first member to the second member so that the first member is substantially disposed in an interior cavity of the coupling mechanism; and coupling the second connector to the first connector to form a fluid passage between the first connector and the second connector.

[0057] Clause 16: The method as described above, wherein detachably coupling the first component to the second component includes coupling a first coupling portion of the first component and a second coupling portion of the second component via a threaded connection.

[0058] Clause 17: A method as described above, wherein, when the first member is disposed within the interior cavity of the coupling mechanism, the at least one rib contacts an exterior surface of the first connector.

[0059] Clause 18: The method as described above, wherein the second member further comprises at least one protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the second member proximate the second end, and wherein the at least one protrusion extends inwardly toward a center of the opening of the second member.

[0060] Clause 19: A method as described above, wherein the at least one protrusion contacts an outer surface of the second connector when the second connector is coupled to the first connector.

[0061] Clause 20: A method as described above, wherein the second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when the separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0062] Further considerations

[0063] In some embodiments, any one of the clauses of this article can be subordinate to any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., a dependent or independent clause) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., a dependent or independent clause). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, devices, or components) quoted in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words quoted in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph can be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements can be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology can be realized without utilizing some parts, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be realized utilizing additional parts, elements, functions, or operations.

[0064] The present disclosure is provided to allow any person skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of subject technology, and subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applicable to other aspects.

[0065] Unless expressly specified otherwise, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0066] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0067] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject technology, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to aspects can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect can provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiments" do not mean that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to embodiments can be applied to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiments" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configurations" do not mean that such configurations are essential to the subject technology, or that such configurations apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to configurations can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as a configuration can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0068] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications in this specification, including those set forth in the appended claims, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the art to which they belong.

[0069] In one aspect, the term "couple" or the like may refer to a direct connection. In another aspect, the term "couple" or the like may refer to an indirect connection.

[0070] For example, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", etc., if used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not the ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and back surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0071] Without departing from the scope of the present technology, various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout the present disclosure are known to or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the future, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be committed to the public. A claim element will not be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. §112 unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "device for...", or in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step for...". Further, insofar as the terms "including", "having", etc. are used, such terms are intended to be open-ended, in a manner similar to the term "including", as "including" is interpreted when it is adopted as a transitional word in a claim.

[0072] The title, background technology, summary of the invention, description of the drawings and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. Submitting this application is based on such an understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the specific implementation, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined together in various embodiments, with the purpose of making the present disclosure concise. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the subject matter claimed for protection requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in all features of less than a single disclosed configuration or operation. The attached claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a subject matter claimed for protection.

[0073] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A coupling mechanism for a fluid connector assembly, the coupling mechanism comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; as well as A second component, the second component comprising: a first end portion configured to be removably coupled to a second end portion of the first member; and a second end portion, the second end portion being opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion having an opening and one or more ribs, wherein the one or more ribs are disposed along a periphery of the opening and extend inwardly toward a center of the opening for engaging a portion of a fluid connector assembly, and Wherein, when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the fluid connector assembly, one end of the fluid connector assembly extends beyond the second end of the second member.

2. The coupling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first member further includes a first coupling portion, and the second member further includes a second coupling portion, and When the first member and the second member are connected, the outer surface of the first connection part matches with the inner surface of the second connection part.

3. The coupling mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are threaded.

4. The coupling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The second member further includes at least one protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the second member proximate to the second end, and Wherein, the at least one protrusion extends inwardly toward a center of the opening of the second member and is configured to be coupled to a portion of a fluid connection assembly.

5. The coupling mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one protrusion is configured to bend relative to other portions of the second member.

6. The coupling mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one protrusion is disposed at a position closer to the second end of the second member than the one or more ribs.

7. The coupling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when a separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. The coupling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more ribs include a first rib disposed along a first side of the perimeter and a second rib disposed along a second side of the perimeter opposite the first side, and wherein each of the first and second ribs includes a concave portion.

9. A fluid connector assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector, the second connector being configured to be coupled to the first connector; as well as a coupling mechanism configured to be coupled to the first connector, the coupling mechanism having: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a second member having a first end configured to be removably coupled to a second end of the first member, and a second end opposite the first end and having at least one rib, wherein, when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first connector, at least a portion of the first connector is disposed in an internal cavity formed by the coupling mechanism, and Wherein, when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first connector, the at least one rib contacts an outer surface of the first connector.

10. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The second member further includes at least one protrusion disposed at the second end, And wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to contact a portion of the second connector when the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first connector and the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

11. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one protrusion is configured to bend relative to another portion of the second member.

12. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first member further comprises a first coupling portion, and the second member further comprises a second coupling portion, and When the first member and the second member are connected, the outer surface of the first connection part matches with the inner surface of the second connection part.

13. The coupling mechanism according to claim 12, wherein: The first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are threaded.

14. The coupling mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: The second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when a separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

15. A method for coupling a fluid connection assembly, the method comprising: providing a first connector and a second connector, the first connector having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; A coupling mechanism is provided, the coupling mechanism having: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a second member having a first end configured to be removably coupled to a second end of the first member, and a second end opposite the first end and having at least one rib; positioning a first end of the first connector within an interior of a first member of a coupling mechanism; removably coupling the first member to the second member such that the first member is substantially disposed within an interior cavity of the coupling mechanism; as well as The second connector is coupled to the first connector, thereby forming a fluid pathway between the first connector and the second connector.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Removably coupling the first member to the second member includes coupling a first coupling portion of the first member and a second coupling portion of the second member via a threaded connection.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one rib contacts an outer surface of the first connector when the first member is disposed within the interior cavity of the coupling mechanism.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The second member further includes at least one protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the second member proximate to the second end, and Wherein, the at least one protrusion extends inwardly toward the center of the opening of the second component.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: When the second connector is coupled to the first connector, the at least one protrusion contacts an outer surface of the second connector.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The second member is configured to be detached from the fluid connection assembly when a separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Images