Catheter Connector Locking Seal for Faster Secure Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter connectors are not quick and reliable enough for medical procedures, requiring more time and effort for doctors and nurses to adjust and connect catheters to fluid delivery devices.
Innovation Solution
A catheter connector design featuring a body with a proximal end port and seal, a push component that moves between open and locked positions, and a plate with radial spokes to securely lock the catheter, along with flanges for easy handling and visual indicators for operation, ensuring rapid and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional catheter connectors (Tuohy-Borst, Stingray, EpiFuse) are used, then the connection can be established, but the connection process requires significant time and effort for adjustment and study
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with a catheter receptacle, a separate seal member, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve quick connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-positioned within the catheter receptacle and the locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the catheter is inserted. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual adjustment during the connection process, reducing both time and complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional catheter connectors are used, then connection can be established, but the device requires complex adjustment and study by medical staff
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs its own locking and sealing functions automatically upon catheter insertion without requiring manual intervention. The locking mechanism self-engages when the catheter is properly positioned, and the seal member automatically seals around the catheter, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments by medical staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes changes in physical parameters (such as radial expansion of the seal member when compressed by the locking mechanism) to achieve secure connection. This parameter-based approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining secure connection through automatic engagement of mechanical properties.
3Reliability
If a secure lock is achieved, then the catheter is firmly held, but the connection process becomes slower and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and seal member are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the connector body. When the catheter is inserted, these components automatically engage and secure the catheter in place, achieving reliable connection without requiring time-consuming manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector replaces complex multi-step mechanical locking procedures with a simplified automatic engagement system. The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded or elastic deformation principles to automatically secure the catheter upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual threading, twisting, or multiple adjustment steps while maintaining secure connection.
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 connector provides a quick, reliable, and secure connection for catheters to fluid delivery devices, reducing the time needed for medical staff to establish fluid communication, enhancing efficiency in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is configured to compress around the catheter so as to axially secure the catheter within the body
Implementation Method 2
The passage includes a tapered inner surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A catheter connector and method of use is disclosed. The catheter connector includes a body, a proximal end port, and a seal. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the body defines a hollow interior from the proximal end to the distal end. The hollow interior is configured to receive a catheter at least partially therethrough. The proximal end port includes a cavity and is configured with the proximal end of the body for mating communication with a fluid delivery device, such as a pump, reservoir, syringe, or the like. This port may have any conventional configuration, such as a Luer-lock fitting. The seal is configured within the interior of the body and includes a passage configured for receipt of the catheter. In addition, at least a portion of the seal is configured within the cavity of the proximal end port. Further, the seal is configured to compress around the catheter so as to axially secure the catheter within the body.