Fluid connector assembly

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly comprising a housing comprising: an upper housing comprising a female luer port; comprising a male luer port and a cannula flow passage through the male luer port; an internal volume fluidly connected to the first end and the second end; and a resilient valve disposed in the interior volume, the resilient valve including a cavity wherein, when the male luer port is inserted into the female luer port of the upper housing, the resilient valve is configured to extend and urge downward, thereby allowing a tip of the male luer port to engage the cannula flow passage and allowing fluid to flow through the fluid connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model generally relates to a medical infusion fluid line connector, and more specifically, to a needleless connector (or Luer actuation device) utilizing a suspended resilient valve. Background Technology

[0002] Needleless connectors (including suspended valve needleless connectors) provide a solution for delivering medical fluids to a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the needleless connector assembly facilitates fluid transfer between a medical fluid supply source and a catheter line. The medical fluid supply source and the catheter line are secured to corresponding Luer elements, which are in turn secured to the connector body. For fluid transfer, the Luer element connected to the medical supply source is inserted into the connector body and overlaps with the central post of the Luer element connected to the catheter line.

[0003] A typical compression-type Luer starter (“LAD”) utilizes a valve that must be compressed to actuate the device. These valves are large and require a significant amount of material. Furthermore, the valve requires additional space to expand when compressed. Additionally, a typical LAD requires an additional seal at the base of the device to prevent fluid leakage within the device. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that components used with neutral fluid displacement (such as Luer elements and struts) may break when they overlap and come into contact with each other, which could lead to medical fluid leakage and reduced medical delivery to patients. When the damaged component is located within the connector body, it may not be easily detected by medical professionals, resulting in delayed response times.

[0005] This invention generally relates to Luer connectors, and more specifically, to a pinless connector for a suspended valve that utilizes a valve that extends during startup. Prior art uses valves that are compressed rather than extended during startup. The suspended valve design, which extends the valve during startup, requires less material because the valve does not need to act as a compressible spring, and there is less additional space inside the connector because the valve does not need to expand downwards and outwards during startup. The suspended valve also serves as a secondary seal and reduces clearance space.

[0006] Therefore, aspects of this disclosure provide a fluid connector assembly including a housing comprising: an upper housing including a female Luer port; a lower housing including a male Luer port and a cannula flow channel through the male Luer port; an internal volume fluidly connected to a first end and a second end; and a resilient valve disposed in the internal volume, the resilient valve including a cavity wherein, when the male Luer port is inserted into the female Luer port of the upper housing, the resilient valve is configured to extend and push downward, thereby allowing the end of the male Luer port to engage with the cannula flow channel and allowing fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly.

[0007] In some embodiments, the male Luer port displaces the resilient valve and allows fluid entering the upper housing to pass through the cannula flow passage. In some embodiments, when the male Luer port is not inserted into the female Luer port, the resilient valve seals the female Luer port and the cannula flow passage. In some embodiments, the resilient valve is confined between the upper and lower housings. In some embodiments, the resilient valve extends upon activation. In some embodiments, the resilient valve functions as a seal to prevent leakage in the fluid connector assembly during both active and static states. In some embodiments, the resilient valve is configured to shrink and narrow upon extension. In some embodiments, the resilient valve does not expand downwards or outwards upon activation.

[0008] Further features and advantages of this subject matter will be set forth in the description which follows, and some features and advantages will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the subject matter. The advantages of this subject matter will be realized and obtained through the written description and embodiments, as well as the structures specifically pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] It should be understood that the general description above and the detailed description below are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter. It should also be understood that other aspects may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The detailed description below illustrates various configurations of the present subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present subject matter can be practiced. Specific details are included for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. Therefore, dimensions may be provided with respect to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 1 An intravenous infusion (IV) drug delivery kit, according to aspects of this disclosure, is shown connected to a patient.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a pinless connector for a suspended valve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for regulating intravenous fluid using a suspended valve needleless connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The detailed description below illustrates various configurations of the present subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present subject matter can be practiced. Specific details are included for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. Therefore, dimensions may be provided with respect to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present subject matter can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present subject matter.

[0015] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject matter and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject matter will be illustrated below with reference to specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in different ways and variations, and depending on the intended application and implementation.

[0016] According to some embodiments, this disclosure includes various features and advantages that maintain separation between the strut and the Luer element, thereby minimizing the possibility of damage to the strut and / or the Luer element.

[0017] This specification generally relates to connectors for fluid delivery lines, and more specifically, for example, but not limited to, pinless connectors utilizing suspended resilient valves.

[0018] In some embodiments, a needle-free connector is used in an IV administration kit having a structure for connection to an IV bag and / or infusion chamber. This structure for the IV bag may be configured as an arm, hook, clamp, or another mechanism for suspending the IV bag.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 One embodiment of the IV administration kit 2 is coupled to patient 1. The IV administration kit 2 may include a fluid connector assembly 100. The IV administration kit includes an IV bag 12 and an infusion chamber 14, which are fluidly coupled together via an IV fitting 16 extending therebetween. The IV fitting 16 is intravenously coupled to patient 1 via a catheter 18, and the catheter preferably includes one or more adapters 10 or connectors 20.

[0020] refer to Figure 2An embodiment of a fluid connector assembly 100 is shown, the fluid connector assembly 100 including a housing comprising: an upper housing 101 including a female Luer port 102; a lower housing 103 including a male Luer port 104 and a cannula flow channel through the male Luer port 104; an internal volume fluidly connected to a first end and a second end; and a resilient valve 105 disposed in the internal volume, the resilient valve 105 including a cavity wherein, when the male Luer port 104 is inserted into the female Luer port 102 of the upper housing 101, the resilient valve 105 is configured to extend and push downward, thereby allowing the end of the male Luer port 104 to engage with the cannula flow channel and allowing fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly 100.

[0021] In some embodiments, the male Luer port 104 displaces the resilient valve 105 and allows fluid entering the upper housing 101 to pass through the cannula flow passage. In some embodiments, when the male Luer port 104 is not inserted into the female Luer port 102, the resilient valve 105 seals the female Luer port 102 and the cannula flow passage. In some embodiments, the resilient valve 105 is confined between the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 103. In some embodiments, the resilient valve 105 extends when it is actuated. In some embodiments, the resilient valve 105 functions as a seal to prevent leakage in the fluid connector assembly 100 in both active and static states. In some embodiments, the resilient valve 105 is configured to decrease and narrow when extended. In some embodiments, the resilient valve 105 does not expand downward or outward when actuated.

[0022] Description of this technical topic

[0023] For example, the subject matter technique is illustrated according to the various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of the various aspects of the subject matter technique are described according to numbered articles (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided by way of example only and do not limit the subject matter technique. It should be noted that any dependent articles can be combined in any combination and placed in corresponding independent articles, such as article 1 or article 9. Other articles can be presented in a similar manner.

[0024] Clause 1: A fluid connector assembly comprising a housing including: an upper housing including a female Luer port; a lower housing including a male Luer port and a cannula flow channel through the male Luer port; and an internal volume fluidly connected to a first end and a second end; and a resilient valve disposed in the internal volume, wherein, when the male Luer port is inserted into the female Luer port of the upper housing, the resilient valve is configured to extend and push downward, thereby allowing the end of the male Luer port to engage with the cannula flow channel and allowing fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly.

[0025] Clause 2: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the male Luer port displaces the resilient valve and allows fluid entering the upper housing to pass through the cannula flow channel.

[0026] Clause 3: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein when the male Luer port is not inserted into the female Luer port, the resilient valve seals the female Luer port and the cannula flow passage.

[0027] Clause 4: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the resilient valve is confined between the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0028] Clause 5: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the resilient valve extends when activated.

[0029] Clause 6: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the resilient valve serves as a seal to prevent leakage in the fluid connector assembly in both active and static states.

[0030] Clause 7: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the resilient valve is configured to shrink and narrow when the resilient valve is extended.

[0031] Clause 8: The fluid connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the resilient valve does not expand downward or outward when activated.

[0032] Other considerations

[0033] In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein can depend on any of the independent clauses or any of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the text (e.g., steps, operations, means, or components) recited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the text recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the text in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs can be removed. In one aspect, additional text or elements can be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject matter can be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject matter can be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0034] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Numerous modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0035] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the singular form to refer to an element is not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The use of titles and subtitles (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit this disclosure.

[0036] The term "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 respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0037] For example, phrases like "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an aspect applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases like "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the present subject matter, or that such an embodiment applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, the phrase "an embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, phrases like "construction" do not imply that such a construction is essential to the present subject matter, or that such a construction applies to all constructions of the present subject matter. Disclosure relating to a construction may apply to all constructions or one or more constructions. A construction may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a construction" may refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0038] In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the appended claims, are approximate rather than precise. In another respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they pertain to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0039] In one respect, the term "linkage" can refer to a direct connection. In another respect, the term "linkage" can refer to an indirect connection.

[0040] For example, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” etc., used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any frame of reference rather than a general gravitational frame of reference. Therefore, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

[0041] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., in different orders or divided in different ways) without departing from the scope of the subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various aspects described in this disclosure are known to or will be known hereafter to those skilled in the art, expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims, the disclosure herein is not intended for the public. Elements of the claims will not be interpreted in accordance with paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.SC §112 unless the element is clearly stated using the phrase “means”. Moreover, the scope of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0042] The title, background art, utility model description, description of drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. This application is filed on the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be apparent that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This disclosure approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the utility model subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those required for a single disclosed construction or operation. The appended claims are therefore incorporated into the detailed description, each claim being an independent, separately claimed subject matter.

[0043] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.SC § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A fluid connector assembly comprising: include: Housing, the housing comprising: The upper housing, including the internal Luer port; The lower housing includes a male Luer port and a cannula flow channel passing through the male Luer port; and The internal volume is fluidly connected to the first and second ends; and A resilient valve arranged in the internal volume.

2. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, When the male Luer port is inserted into the female Luer port of the upper housing, the resilient valve is configured to extend and push downward, thereby allowing the end of the male Luer port to engage with the cannula flow channel and allowing fluid flow through the fluid connector assembly.

3. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve includes a cavity.

4. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The anode port displaces the resilient valve and allows fluid entering the upper housing to flow through the cannula flow channel.

5. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, When the male Luer port is not inserted into the female Luer port, the resilient valve seals the female Luer port and the cannula flow channel.

6. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve is confined between the upper housing and the lower housing.

7. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve extends when activated.

8. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve serves as a seal to prevent leakage in the fluid connector assembly in both active and static states.

9. The fluid connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resilient valve is configured to shrink and narrow when it extends.

10. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve does not expand downward when activated.

11. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve does not expand outward when activated.

12. The fluid connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The resilient valve requires less material than a conventional suspended valve.

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