Coupling mechanism and fluid connector assembly including same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connecting mechanism and a fluid connector assembly comprising the same. The coupling mechanism includes: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and a second member, the second member comprising: a first end portion configured to be removably coupled to a second end portion of the first member; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end having an opening and one or more ribs, where the one or more ribs are disposed along a perimeter of the opening and extend inwardly toward a center of the opening for engaging a portion of the fluid connector assembly, and where the one or more ribs are disposed along the perimeter of the opening and extend inwardly toward the center of the opening for engaging a portion of the fluid connector assembly. 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a coupling mechanism and 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 its respective fluid path. Separation may be due to intentional or unintentional separation between the medical connectors. Background Art

[0002] A peripheral intravenous ("PIVC") catheter is a medical device 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 healthcare professional. However, these catheters often become unintentionally dislodged. For example, the catheter line, 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 both the patient and the healthcare professional. Unintentional or unexpected dislodgment can result in blood loss to the patient, loss of IV fluid, and delays in IV fluid delivery. Utility Model Content

[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 in the patient, and exposing the medical professional to drugs.

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly having medical connectors, 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 the external force is no longer acting on it. 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 connecting mechanism wherein one end of the fluid connector assembly extends beyond a second end of a second member of the connecting mechanism when the connecting mechanism is coupled to the fluid connector assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The various features of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, not to 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 2 Shown is a side view of an assembled fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[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 Illustrations of a coupling mechanism of a fluid connector assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure are 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] Figure 9 A perspective view of a coupling mechanism coupled to a fluid connector assembly is shown according to 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 techniques are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the subject technology.

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

[0017] The disclosed coupler assembly overcomes several challenges found with respect to certain IV catheters. When the forces applied to the catheter are greater than the forces that the securing method is designed to withstand, the catheter may become dislodged. In such an event, the nurse may need to replace the catheter, which is painful for the patient and requires the nurse to incur additional costs and time to insert a new catheter. Examples of such catheter displacement situations include a patient rolling over in bed or catching their IV line on a bed rail, transferring a patient to a different bed, a pediatric patient fidgeting, a visitor catching a line, and / or an adult patient becoming disoriented and having their line pulled out. Because accidental or unintentional displacement of tubing, catheters, or fittings may interrupt the administration of medical fluids and may cause patient discomfort, the use of certain conventional IV lines is undesirable.

[0018] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it would be advantageous to provide a coupler and coupler / connector assembly as described herein that allows for disconnection of an IV line at a point on the coupler assembly. This disconnection point can help prevent 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 medical connectors that seal their respective fluid paths when the medical connectors are separated from each other. The medical connectors can each include a compressible member that depressurizes 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 microbial growth.

[0020] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An IV set 1 is shown coupled to a patient 10 in accordance with 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 over the tubing 16 and catheter so that the tape engages the tubing 22, the catheter, and the 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 a resilient 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 connector 102, connector 112 may include a first end 112A and a second end 112B opposite first end 112A. Connector 112 may further include a forward portion 114. In some embodiments, forward portion 114 may be formed separately from connector 112 and coupled near first end 112A by any suitable connecting device. In other embodiments, forward portion 114 may be formed integrally with connector 112 as a unitary structure. Connector 112 may include an outer surface 116 and an inner surface 118. Connector 112 may include a hollow or substantially hollow body that carries one or more components. For example, connector 112 may include a valve member 120. Valve member 120 may be configured to contact compressible member 110 when connectors 102, 112 are coupled.

[0027] refer to Figure 4-Figure 5The fluid connector assembly 100 can further include a coupling mechanism 200 coupled to the connectors 102, 112. The coupling mechanism 200 can include a first member 202, also referred to as an anchor 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 formed from polycarbonate, however, the coupling mechanism 200 need not be so limited. For example, the coupling mechanism can be formed from any suitable material, including but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, and acrylic resin.

[0028] refer to Figure 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-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 at the second coupling portion along the longitudinal length of the inner surface 216 of the second member 212. 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 perimeter of the opening 220 and extending inward toward the center of the opening 220.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second member 212 includes first and second ribs 222 disposed along opposing sides of the perimeter 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 inward toward the center of the opening 220. In some embodiments, the second member 212 includes first and second protrusions 224 disposed on opposing 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 flex 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. Furthermore, when the second member 212 is coupled to the connector 102, the connector 102 can be substantially contained within 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 and 112 can remain coupled until subjected to a separation force. The separation force can pull the first connector 102 away from the second connector 112, or pull 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 can act along the central axis of the first and second connectors. When the first connector 102 and the second connector 112 are coupled, the separation force can be a resultant force acting along their central axes, or a force acting on the first connector 102 or the second connector 112, or on the first portion of the pipe or 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 due to minimal force or movement. 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 can first be positioned within the interior of the first member 202 such that the first end 102A is positioned within and proximate to the opening 210. The second member 212 can 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 and second members 202, 212 coupled to each other, the connector 102 can be substantially contained within the coupling mechanism 200. The connector 112 can 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 function as valves to regulate a fluid pathway between them. The first and second compressible members are located in first and second connectors, respectively. If the first and second connectors are separated, whether accidentally or intentionally, the fluid pathway for each of the first and second compressible members is closed or blocked to prevent fluid loss therethrough. Features of the present disclosure also provide that upon separation of the first and second compressible members, either of the first and second compressible members can be cleaned and disinfected, and the first and second compressible members can be reconnected to form a fluid pathway therebetween.

[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 clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). 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 its own independent clause, 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 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 coupling mechanism as described above, the second member further includes at least one protrusion provided 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 couple to a portion of the fluid connection assembly.

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

[0046] Clause 6: The 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: The 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: A coupling mechanism as described above, wherein the one or more ribs include a first rib disposed along a first side of the periphery and a second rib disposed along a second side of the periphery opposite 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 coupling to the first connector; and a coupling mechanism configured to couple 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 the 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, 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: The 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: A fluid connector assembly as described above, wherein the first component further includes a first coupling portion and the second component further includes a second coupling portion, and wherein, when the first component and the second component are coupled, an outer surface of the first coupling portion mates with an inner surface of the second coupling portion.

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

[0054] Clause 14: The 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 comprises 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: The 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: The 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: The 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 herein may 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) may 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) cited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words cited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some parts, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented with 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 the subject technology, and the 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 applied 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 gender (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the present 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 advantageous over 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. Disclosure related to aspects may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as an aspect may 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. Disclosure related to embodiments may apply to all embodiments or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiments" may 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. Disclosure related to configurations may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as a configuration may 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 custom in the art to which they pertain.

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

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

[0071] Without departing from the scope of the present technology, the various items may be arranged differently (for example, in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure are known or will become known to those of ordinary skill in the art 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 recited in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be dedicated to the public. A claim element will not be interpreted under the provisions of paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. § 112 unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "means for..." or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited 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 interpreted when "including" is adopted as a transitional word in a claim.

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

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

Claims

1. A connecting mechanism, characterized in that: The connecting mechanism comprises: a first member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and A second component, the second component comprising: a first end portion configured to be removably coupled to the 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 coupled, an outer surface of the first coupling portion is matched with an inner surface of the second coupling portion.

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 couple to a portion of a fluid connection assembly.

5. The coupling mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: 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 provided 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 detach 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, characterized in that: It includes: a first connector; a second connector configured to be coupled to the first connector; as well as a coupling mechanism configured to couple 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 the 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 within 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 provided 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 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 coupled, an outer surface of the first coupling portion is matched with an inner surface of the second coupling portion.

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

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

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