Medical Connector Tip Receiving Section Prevents Over-Insertion

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors for medical devices, such as those used in infusion and blood transfusion, allow excessive insertion of male connectors, leading to increased load on the valve and cover, which can cause damage and improper connection.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring an elastic valve body with a slit that deforms to prevent excessive insertion, utilizing a cap support section and locking projections to securely hold the valve body in place, preventing over-insertion and maintaining elastic restoring force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the male connector is allowed to be inserted freely into the connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the excessive insertion causes increased load on the valve and cover leading to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tip receiving section is pre-formed with a recessed structure that anticipates and limits the insertion depth of the male connector tip. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents excessive insertion before any damage can occur, while still allowing smooth initial insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tip receiving section acts as an intermediary structure between the male connector tip and the internal valve/cover components. It absorbs the insertion motion and provides a mechanical stop, preventing the tip from directly transmitting excessive force to the vulnerable valve and cover parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the insertion length is not limited, then the ease of operation is improved, but the load on the valve and cover increases causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion convenienceVSAvoidvalve and cover strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tip receiving section is pre-formed with a recessed structure that anticipates and limits the insertion depth of the male connector tip. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents excessive insertion before any damage can occur, while still allowing smooth initial insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The recessed tip receiving section provides a cushioning effect by absorbing the insertion motion through its geometric design. The gradual transition and recessed shape distribute the insertion force over a longer distance, reducing peak loads on the valve and cover before excessive force can be applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the connector allows deep insertion, then the connection security is improved, but the excessive insertion length causes damage to the valve and cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidexcessive insertion damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tip receiving section is pre-formed with a recessed structure that anticipates and limits the insertion depth of the male connector tip. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents excessive insertion before any damage can occur, while still allowing smooth initial insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potentially harmful excessive insertion motion into a beneficial controlled insertion process. The recessed tip receiving section guides the tip along a safe path, transforming what could be a damaging force into a controlled, limited motion that ensures proper connection without over-insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively prevents excessive insertion of male connectors, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring secure, reliable connections while maintaining the elastic restoring force for easy insertion and removal.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic valve body with a slit that deforms to prevent excessive insertion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3028736B1Connector and transfusion set

Publication Date: 2022.11.23 TERUMO KK

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2(A)~2(B)

AI summary

A connector according to the present invention is provided with a housing which defines an insertion section into which a male connector is inserted from the outside and a flow path communicating with the insertion section and an elastic valve body which has a slit and blocks the insertion section. The housing includes a tip receiving section formed on an inner wall defining the flow path, the tip receiving section receiving a tip of the male connector inserted through the slit of the elastic valve body. The tip receiving section is formed only on a part of the inner wall in a cross section that is perpendicular to an insertion direction of the male connector and includes at least a part of the tip receiving section.