Pliable Adapter Cap Shields Rigid IV Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal intravenous therapy connectors cause skin irritation and contamination due to their rigid material and sharp edges, and are prone to contamination when exposed.
Innovation Solution
A pliable adapter cap is designed to removably connect with the connector, providing a cushioning surface to prevent skin irritation and contamination, made from materials like thermoplastic elastomers or thermosetting elastomers with a hardness range between Shore A 5 and Shore A 50, ensuring a secure fit with the rigid connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid connector material is used to ensure structural strength and connection reliability, then the connector provides a closed connection for medication administration, but the rigid material and sharp edges cause skin irritation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid connector and the patient's skin. The adapter cap is made of pliable material that cushions against the skin while the rigid connector maintains its structural integrity for reliable connections. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing the rigid connector to maintain connection reliability while the soft adapter cap prevents skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter cap functions as a flexible protective shell that covers the rigid connector. Made from pliable material, this flexible shell cushions the sharp edges and rigid surfaces against the patient's skin, preventing irritation and infection while allowing the underlying rigid connector to maintain its structural strength and connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a rigid connector is used to maintain structural integrity, then the connector provides a secure closed connection, but the connector becomes prone to contamination when exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter cap serves as a protective intermediary that covers the rigid connector, creating a barrier between the connector and the external environment. This mediator allows the rigid connector to maintain its closed connection reliability while the adapter cap prevents contamination by exposing only the necessary connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter cap acts as a flexible protective shell that encloses the rigid connector. This flexible shell provides a protective barrier that prevents contamination of the connector while maintaining the closed connection necessary for reliable medication administration. The shell is designed to be removable when connection is required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a pliable adapter cap material is used to prevent skin irritation, then the adapter cap provides cushioning and protection, but the adapter cap must maintain a secure fit with the rigid connector
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter cap is designed with specific material parameters - pliability to provide cushioning and protection against skin irritation, while hardness parameters are controlled to ensure proper fit and secure connection to the rigid connector. The material selection balances these competing requirements by choosing materials with appropriate durometer ranges.
Data Source
AI summary
A drug transfer assembly including a connector connectable to a portion of an intravenous line adapted for connection to a patient's bloodstream and an adapter cap removably connectable with the connector is disclosed. The connector is formed of a rigid material and the adapter cap is formed of a pliable material. With the adapter cap connected to the connector, the adapter cap protectively surrounds and shields the connector. The adapter cap provides a cushioning surface which prevents rubbing of the connector against the skin of a patient. In this manner, the adapter cap prevents the connector of a drug transfer assembly from causing irritation and/or infection to the skin of a patient. Furthermore, the adapter cap provides a protective shield which prevents the connector of a drug transfer assembly from becoming contaminated with undesirables.