Catheter Connector with Movable Fixing for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for catheters are difficult to handle and may not securely attach the catheter to a fluid transfer system, requiring multiple elements and potentially leading to misalignment or improper securing.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a main body with a tubular pin and a movably connected fixing means, comprising swiveling fixing elements that enclose the tubular pin to securely hold the catheter, allowing for easy handling and reliable attachment with a single element, and accommodating catheters of varying diameters through a conically increasing outer diameter or saw tooth profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector system comprises three separate elements (nut, main body, screw aid), then the catheter can be secured to the fluid transfer system, but the connector becomes difficult to handle and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the nut and main body into a single integrated connector element, eliminating the need for separate components. The connector features an integrated threaded portion that directly engages with the catheter hub, combining functions that were previously distributed across multiple parts. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional single element that simultaneously provides threading for secure engagement, fluid flow pathways, and structural support. The single connector element replaces multiple specialized components, achieving universality by consolidating various functions into one device that handles both mechanical attachment and fluid transport.
2Reliability
If a connector system uses three separate elements with screw aid, then the catheter can be attached, but the handling becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the nut and main body into a single integrated connector, the patent eliminates the need for separate handling of multiple components. The unified design allows for simpler manipulation during assembly, reducing the dexterity required and the time needed for proper alignment and engagement while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-configured with integrated threading and engagement features that guide the assembly process. The threaded portion and engagement surfaces are designed to automatically align and engage with the catheter hub, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments or additional tools during the connection process.
3Reliability
If the fixing means clamps the catheter between the tubular pin and fixing means, then the attachment is secure, but the clamping distance must be precisely controlled to match catheter material thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular pin features a conically increasing outer diameter that allows it to accommodate catheters of varying diameters and material thicknesses. This parameter change along the length of the pin enables reliable clamping without requiring precise control of the clamping distance, as the conical geometry adapts to different catheter specifications while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing means is designed with movable fixing elements that can adjust their position dynamically to accommodate different catheter sizes. The fixing elements are capable of movement along the tubular pin, allowing the clamping mechanism to adapt to varying catheter dimensions while maintaining reliable attachment without requiring precise pre-setting of the clamping distance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tubular pin has a conically increasing outer diameter, then catheters of varying diameters can be accommodated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conically increasing outer diameter of the tubular pin is achieved through standard manufacturing processes such as injection molding or extrusion, which can easily produce tapered geometries. This parameter change is integrated into the basic tooling design, allowing the conical shape to be manufactured efficiently without requiring complex multi-step processes or specialized equipment, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1) for connecting a catheter (2) to a fluid transfer system comprising a main body (11) with a tubular pin (111) adapted to be inserted into an end portion (21) of the catheter (2) such as to provide a fluid connection between the catheter (2) and the tubular pin (111). The connector (1) is characterized in that a fixing means (12) is movably connected to the main body (11), wherein the fixing means (11) is adapted to fix the catheter (2) to the connector (1) when the fixing means (12) is in a fixing position.