Closed-liquid Transfer Device with Locking Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed-liquid transfer devices for medicaments are insufficiently secure, as the connections between the fitting and infusion containers, medicament supplies, and infusion sets can be easily removed, posing security and contamination risks, especially with hazardous medicaments.

Innovation Solution

A closed-system liquid transfer device is designed with an IV set spike for connection to infusion containers, a locking ring to securely receive the IV set spike of the infusion set, and a female Luer for connection to the medicament supply, featuring enhanced security features such as circumferential ridges and protrusions to resist removal forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fittings are used to connect infusion containers, medicament supplies, and infusion sets, then the device structure remains simple, but the connections can be easily removed by small forces, creating security and contamination risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is pre-configured with barbs that engage with the infusion set spike before final connection is made. This preliminary engagement prevents accidental disconnection and ensures secure attachment prior to use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a locking ring with barbs for secure attachment, a restrainer with protrusions for preventing removal, and modular connection points. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific security function while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If locking mechanisms are added to prevent removal of connections, then connection security is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper resistanceVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring and restrainer are designed to automatically engage and lock connections in place upon assembly, preventing removal without requiring additional locking steps. The barbs and protrusions create mechanical interference that inherently resists tampering while maintaining straightforward initial connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection points with security features are implemented, then universal compatibility and security are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal connectionVSAvoidmulti-connector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting is designed with multiple standardized connection points that can interface with different types of medical devices (infusion containers, medicament supplies, infusion sets) using conventional connection standards. This allows universal compatibility while the added locking features provide enhanced security across all connection types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250134772A1Closed-liquid transfer devices and systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 WEST PHARM SERVICES IL LTD

AI summary

A closed-system liquid transfer device is used with each of an infusion liquid container containing an infusion liquid, a medicament supply containing a medicament, and an infusion set. The closed-system liquid transfer device includes first, second, and third connectors that respectively connect and resist removal from the infusion liquid container, the infusion set, and the medicament supply.