Antimicrobial Fluid Coupling Seals for Leak-Safe Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for medical fluid transfer lack effective sealing and anti-leakage properties, are susceptible to displacement due to external forces, and do not provide adequate antimicrobial protection, posing risks to patient and medical staff safety.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a dual-housing design featuring antimicrobial coatings on sealing elements, which ensures excellent sealing and anti-leakage properties, mitigates tube displacement due to external forces, and provides antimicrobial protection by releasing antimicrobial peptides upon fluid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling devices are used for fluid transfer, then basic connection function is achieved, but sealing and anti-leakage properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into a first housing and a second housing that can be separately assembled. The first housing contains a first sealing element, while the second housing contains a second sealing element and a channel. This segmentation allows each housing to be optimized for specific sealing functions, improving overall sealing reliability without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are pre-configured with cavities that define spaces for fluid containment. The first sealing element has a cavity defining a first space, and the second sealing element has a cavity defining a second space. These pre-formed sealing chambers ensure that sealing action is already prepared before fluid transfer begins, enhancing anti-leakage properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If simple coupling devices are used, then device complexity is low, but they are susceptible to displacement due to external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The second housing is insertable into the first housing, creating a nested configuration. The channel of the second housing is positioned within the first housing, and the second sealing element is arranged to seal the channel. This nesting provides structural stability and prevents displacement while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device employs curved surfaces and rounded transitions in the housing designs to distribute mechanical stresses evenly. The smooth curved interfaces between housings and sealing elements prevent stress concentration points that could lead to displacement or failure under external forces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sealing elements are used, then basic sealing is achieved, but antimicrobial protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are made from composite materials that combine sealing functionality with antimicrobial properties. The materials integrate both the elastomeric or polymeric base for sealing and antimicrobial agents or coatings, providing dual functionality without requiring separate antimicrobial components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements incorporate surfaces with modified physical or chemical parameters that exhibit antimicrobial activity. This could include surface energy modifications, roughness control, or incorporation of antimicrobial ions that change the surface properties to prevent microbial adhesion and growth while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If the coupling device lacks fluid containment spaces, then device structure is simpler, but fluid leakage cannot be prevented during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The cavities in the sealing elements create pre-formed fluid containment spaces (first space and second space) that are ready to hold fluid before disconnection occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that fluid is already contained when the tube is pulled back, preventing leakage during the disconnection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavities act as cushioning chambers that accommodate fluid volume changes during connection and disconnection. The first cavity and second cavity provide buffer spaces that prevent pressure buildup and fluid ejection, cushioning the system against sudden fluid release during tube retraction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coupling device effectively prevents fluid leakage and tube displacement, while its antimicrobial properties reduce the risk of infection, enhancing both patient and medical staff safety during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first and the second sealing elements comprises an antimicrobial coating and a cavity on a front side of the respective first and second sealing element. The antimicrobial coating is configured to provide an antimicrobial effect upon contact with the fluid.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A coupling device (100) for transferring a fluid is provided. The coupling device comprises a first housing (110), a tube (140) and a first sealing element (220). The coupling device further comprises a second housing (300) comprising a channel (310) and a second sealing element (320). At a first and second stage of a connection of the coupling device, the first and second sealing elements, of which at least one comprises an antimicrobial coating, are configured to abut each other and sealingly separate the tube and the channel, whereafter the tube projects through the first and second sealing elements for enabling a transfer through the coupling device. At a first and second stage of a disconnection of the coupling device, first (400) and second spaces (410) are respectively defined for enclosing the fluid, whereby the fluid is arranged to come into contact with the antimicrobial coating.