Needle-Free Connector Shield With Reusable Disinfectant Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors, such as needle-free connectors (NFCs), are prone to contamination and can lead to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) due to inadequate sterilization and disinfection protocols, particularly when exposed to non-sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A connector safety shield with a spray mechanism that includes a push cap, a spray chamber, and a disinfectant solution (like chlorhexidine digluconate and isopropyl alcohol) to repeatedly disinfect the NFC surface, capable of being used multiple times and locked after reaching a maximum usage time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable disinfection cap is used to sterilize the NFC, then the NFC can be disinfected, but the cap can only be used once and must be discarded after a single use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a reusable shield assembly and a disposable cap. The shield contains the spray mechanism and reservoir, while the cap is discarded after single use. This segmentation allows the expensive, complex spray mechanism to be reused while maintaining the simplicity and disposable nature of the cap for infection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to be discarded after a single use to prevent contamination, while the shield assembly with its spray mechanism and reservoir is recovered and reused multiple times. The reservoir can be refilled or replaced, extending the operational life of the disinfection system.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a reusable spray mechanism is implemented, then multiple disinfection cycles are possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray mechanism is designed to be self-activating through manual compression of the shield assembly. The user simply compresses the shield, which automatically triggers the spray through the perforated bottom of the reservoir without requiring external power sources, pumps, or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray mechanism utilizes basic pneumatic principles where manual compression of the shield assembly creates pressure differential that forces the disinfectant solution through the perforated bottom of the reservoir and onto the NFC surface. This simple hydraulic/pneumatic action eliminates the need for electric motors or complex mechanical spray systems.
3Quantity of substance
If the spray mechanism is locked after maximum usage, then the disinfectant is depleted, but the shield can remain on the NFC for continued protection
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into the shield assembly that remains on the NFC for continuous mechanical protection and the disposable cap that provides chemical disinfection. After the disinfectant is depleted, the shield continues to protect the NFC from contamination, and a new cap can be applied if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex refilling mechanisms or monitoring systems, as the entire cap assembly is replaced rather than just the disinfectant reservoir.
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 connector safety shield effectively prevents microbial ingress by providing multiple disinfection cycles, ensuring the NFC remains sterile and reducing the risk of CRBSI.
Implementation Method 1
a spray mechanism within the cap configured to be attached to needle free connectors for sealing, cleaning, and disinfecting portions of the needle free connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A connector safety shield configured to engage a needle free connector comprises a push cap slidably mounted on an external enclosure cap that encloses a spray chamber containing disinfectant that can be pushed multiple times out of perforations in the bottom of the spray chamber and onto the distal end of the needle free connector by action of a stopper mounted in the spray chamber and operably connected to the push cap. The connector safety shield also comprises a bottom enclosure cap that can engage the needle free connector and thus lock the connector safety shield onto the needle free connector. A hinge connecting the bottom enclosure cap and the assembly of the external closure cap, spray chamber, and push cap allows the assembly of the external closure cap, spray chamber, and push cap to be rotated out of connection with the needle free connector such that the needle free connector can be connected to another device or object such as a syringe or other vascular access device. The assembly of the external closure cap, spray chamber, and push cap can be rotated back into connection with the needle free connector and used to spray the distal end of the needle free connector with disinfectant once the other device or object such as a syringe or other vascular access device is removed.