Fluid Transfer Connector Locking for Premature Retraction Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access devices (VADs) are prone to premature retraction and removal during blood collection, leading to undesirable exposure to bodily fluids and potential damage to the probe.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device with a locking mechanism that prevents disconnection from the vascular access device when the probe is in an advanced position, using a wheel member and locking member to ensure the device remains secured until the probe is fully retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector member is made easily detachable for convenient operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature removal increases leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The connector member transitions from a static connection state to a dynamic controlled-release state. The proximal clip portions are designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing them to be pinched together by user force to disengage from the vascular access device. This dynamic design enables easy intentional detachment while the locking member prevents accidental detachment during probe advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the connector member and the housing. It selectively blocks the movement of proximal clip portions based on probe position, mediating between the user's desire for easy detachment and the system's need to prevent premature removal. The locking member translates probe retraction status into connector lock/unlock states.
2Reliability
If the connector member is securely locked to prevent premature removal, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation for intentional disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe advancement action is performed preliminarily before connector detachment. The locking member is designed to automatically unlock the connector only after the probe has been fully retracted into the housing. This preliminary probe retraction action must occur before the connector can be detached, ensuring safety while allowing intentional disconnection when properly sequenced.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector member transitions from a static connection state to a dynamic controlled-release state. The proximal clip portions are designed to be movable relative to the housing, allowing them to be pinched together by user force to disengage from the vascular access device. This dynamic design enables easy intentional detachment while the locking member prevents accidental detachment during probe advancement.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent premature removal, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing connector member structure rather than being a separate independent system. The locking member integrates with the proximal clip portions and housing, using their existing movement paths and forces. The wheel member, which already exists for probe advancement, is combined with the locking mechanism through direct mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the probe advancement and retraction process itself. As the probe is retracted into the housing, the wheel member rotates and automatically triggers the locking member to release the proximal clip portions. No separate control input or additional complexity is needed - the probe's own movement services the locking function.
4Extent of automation
If the probe advancement mechanism is coupled to the locking mechanism, then the automation and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing connector member structure rather than being a separate independent system. The locking member integrates with the proximal clip portions and housing, using their existing movement paths and forces. The wheel member, which already exists for probe advancement, is combined with the locking mechanism through direct mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the probe advancement and retraction process itself. As the probe is retracted into the housing, the wheel member rotates and automatically triggers the locking member to release the proximal clip portions. No separate control input or additional complexity is needed - the probe's own movement services the locking function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid transfer device including a housing, a distal introducer portion configured to penetrate a needleless access connector of a vascular access device, and a wheel member rotatable with respect to the housing and operably coupled to a probe to advance and retract the probe through the distal introducer portion. The fluid transfer device also includes a connector member positioned proximate the distal introducer portion, wherein the connector member includes a pair of opposing distal clip portions, a pair of opposing proximal clip portions, and a locking member. The locking member is operably coupled to the wheel member and is configured to prevent actuation of at least a portion of the connector member when the wheel member is rotated to a first position and to allow actuation at least a portion of the connector member when the wheel member is rotated to a second position.