Collapsible Valve IV Connector to Eliminate Flush Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV connectors require additional fluid flushing to ensure medication dispensed via a side flow channel is fully administered, which can be problematic for sensitive patients, and they are often costly and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A self-flushing connector with a collapsible valve that allows a continuous main flow path, enabling simultaneous administration of additional fluid from a syringe into the main flow channel without the need for separate flushing, thus eliminating the requirement for a Y-site connector and corresponding tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Y-site connector is used to allow additional medication through a side flow channel, then medication can be administered to the patient, but additional fluid must be flushed through the side channel to ensure complete medication delivery, which increases fluid volume for sensitive patients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic side flow channel from the connector design. Instead of having a separate Y-site side channel that requires flushing, the additional medication is administered directly into the main flow channel through a port on the infusion tube, eliminating the dead space and the need for additional flush volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the additional medication administration path with the main flow channel. The second port allows direct injection into the main flow, combining what were previously separate paths (Y-site side channel and main channel) into a unified flow path, thereby eliminating dead space and reducing required flush volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Y-site connector with side flow channel is used, then additional medication can be dispensed, but dead space in the side channel causes medication to get stuck and requires additional flushing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the side flow channel entirely from the connector design. The second port for additional medication connects directly to the main flow channel, extracting the problematic intermediate space (side channel) that created dead space and unreliable medication delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow of infusion solution through the main channel preliminarily prepares the path for additional medication by maintaining constant motion and pressure, ensuring that medication injected through the second port is immediately carried forward without stagnating in dead space areas.
3Ease of operation
If traditional IV connectors are used, then medication can be administered, but the connectors are costly and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the connector housing and valve mechanism into a single integrated component. The collapsible valve is built directly into the connector body, eliminating the need for separate Y-site connectors and additional tubing assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible valve automatically opens when infusion solution flow exerts pressure on it, and automatically closes when flow stops. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems that would increase cost and noise.
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 self-flushing connector reduces the need for additional fluid administration, minimizes 'dead space', and lowers costs by integrating the syringe connection directly into the main flow path, ensuring reliable and quiet medication delivery.
Implementation Method 1
When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A self-flushing connector includes a housing having a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. A first flow path extends from the first inlet port to the outlet port. The first inlet port and the second inlet port are fluidly connected through a gap defined between the body of the collapsible valve and an inner wall of the housing defining the cavity. A second flow path extends from the second inlet port to the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path.