Connector Segmentation for Liquid Medicine Leakage Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid medicine administration devices face challenges in preventing leakage of liquid medicine during priming and connection processes, particularly when a prefilled syringe is connected, which can lead to unintended pressure application and potential leakage of the medicine.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a connector with distinct first and second connection portions, allowing for priming solution delivery through the second connection portion before connecting the prefilled syringe, and features a hollow needle integrated with the connection member to prevent pressure-induced leakage by using a disk-shaped valve body that opens with low pressure, ensuring the liquid medicine is administered effectively without leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the prefilled syringe is connected directly to the connector, then the liquid medicine can be administered, but pressure is applied in the distal direction causing leakage of the liquid medicine
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate connection portions: a first connection portion for the prefilled syringe and a second connection portion for the priming solution delivery tool. This segmentation allows the priming solution to be delivered first through the second connection portion, then the prefilled syringe to be connected to the first connection portion without applying distal pressure that would cause leakage. The segmented design enables a controlled sequence of operations to prevent liquid medicine leakage while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary delivery of priming solution through the second connection portion before connecting the prefilled syringe to the first connection portion. This preliminary action ensures that the liquid delivery tube is properly primed and that no liquid medicine leakage occurs when the prefilled syringe is subsequently connected. The preliminary priming step prevents unintended pressure application and maintains system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single connection portion is used, then the device structure is simple, but the priming solution cannot be delivered separately before the prefilled syringe
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both a first connection portion for the prefilled syringe and a second connection portion for the priming solution delivery tool within a single integrated component. This universal design allows the connector to perform multiple functions: delivering priming solution, connecting the prefilled syringe, and preventing liquid medicine leakage, all without requiring separate components. The multi-functional connector increases adaptability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second connection portions are integrated within a single connector body, with the hollow needle positioned inside the connector and protruding in the proximal direction. The nested arrangement allows both connection portions to coexist in one compact structure, enabling the priming solution delivery function to be nested within the same connector that also houses the prefilled syringe connection interface. This nesting approach provides versatility while minimizing device complexity.
3Productivity
If pressure is applied during connection, then the liquid medicine can be delivered, but leakage occurs in the distal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary delivery of priming solution through the second connection portion before connecting the prefilled syringe. This preliminary action primes the liquid delivery tube and ensures that when the prefilled syringe is connected and pressure is applied for medicine administration, the system is already prepared to handle the flow without causing leakage. The preliminary priming step allows efficient medicine administration while preventing loss of liquid medicine.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow needle acts as an intermediary element within the connector, protruding in the proximal direction and facilitating the connection between the liquid delivery tube and the prefilled syringe. The intermediary hollow needle structure allows pressure to be applied during connection while preventing direct distal pressure transmission that would cause leakage. It mediates the pressure transfer to ensure efficient liquid medicine administration without substance loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid medicine administration device includes: a catheter configured to be inserted into and left in place in a living body; a tube configured to allow a liquid medicine to flow toward the catheter; a connector located at a proximal portion of the tube, the connector being selectively connectable to (i) a priming solution delivery tool configured to deliver a priming solution from a distal portion of the priming solution delivery tool, and (ii) a prefilled syringe filled with the liquid medicine; and a hollow needle located inside the connector and protruding in a proximal direction. The connector includes: a first connection portion connectable to the prefilled syringe, and a second connection portion located at a position different from the first connection portion and connectable to the priming solution delivery tool.