Needleless Connector Check Valve With Lip Seal Against Fluid Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needleless connectors suffer from fluid deposition on the valve head during removal of medical implements, leading to potential fluid leakage and risk of bloodstream infections.
Innovation Solution
A needleless connector with a resilient valve featuring a circumferential lip seal that engages the inner surface of the housing to prevent fluid from moving from the cavity to the valve face, minimizing fluid collection and reducing the risk of infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional needleless valve geometry is used, then the valve can control fluid flow, but fluid deposits on the valve head causing potential leakage and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
A circumferential lip seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the valve head and the housing. This lip seal acts as a mediator that prevents fluid from contacting the valve head surface while still allowing the valve to function. The seal engages with the housing inner surface to create a barrier that blocks fluid pathways to the valve face.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a flexible lip seal that can deform and conform to the housing surface. This thin flexible membrane engages radially outward from the valve head to create a seal against the housing, preventing fluid accumulation on the valve face while maintaining valve operation.
2Reliability
If the valve member is designed with seal portions, then fluid flow can be controlled, but fluid may still separate from the valve member and flow into the fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential lip seal serves as an additional intermediary barrier between the valve member and the fluid path. It prevents fluid that might separate from the valve member from entering the fluid path, thereby maintaining the self-sealing function while adding an extra layer of protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple components: the valve member's seal portions and the separate circumferential lip seal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific sealing function, with the lip seal providing an additional barrier that prevents fluid from reaching the valve face.
3Reliability
If a lip seal is added to prevent fluid deposition, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lip seal is designed as a simple flexible membrane that radially engages from the valve head. This thin film structure provides effective sealing without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable fluid leakage prevention.
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 circumferential lip seal effectively obstructs fluid from reaching the valve face, preventing fluid leakage and reducing the risk of bloodstream infections by maintaining a sealed configuration during use.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion... the circumferential lip seal may engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing to obstruct fluid from flowing
Data Source
AI summary
A valve member for a connector includes a head portion, a body portion, and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion. The head portion includes a top section defining a first seal portion. The body portion extends longitudinally from the head portion and defines a second seal portion at a proximal end thereof. The second seal portion is disposed distally to the first seal portion. The circumferential lip seal is disposed between the first and second seal portions.