Infusion Connector Valve Body Radial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for infusion lines face challenges in maintaining the stability of the valve body during assembly while ensuring the insertability of the male connector, due to unstable positioning and reduced elasticity caused by annular projections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a valve body with an annular inner projection and point-symmetrically arranged outer projections, which allows for stable radial positioning and elastic deformation to improve assembly and insertability, and provides a restoring force for closing the slit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer diameter dimension of the annular projection is set smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical section to form a gap, then the insertability of the male connector is improved, but the valve body becomes unstable and easily causes position shift in the radial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The single annular projection is segmented into multiple radial projections (first and second radial projections) arranged at different radial positions. This segmentation allows different projections to fulfill different functions: some provide positioning stability while others maintain insertion clearance, resolving the contradiction between stability and insertability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial projections are positioned at different radial distances from the center axis. The first radial projections are positioned closer to the center (smaller outer diameter) to maintain insertability, while the second radial projections are positioned farther from the center (larger outer diameter) to provide positioning stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each projection's position for its specific function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer diameter dimension of the annular projection is set substantially equal to the inner diameter dimension of the connection opening to position the valve body, then the assemblability is improved, but the valve body cannot elastically deform and insertability is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The annular projection structure is segmented into multiple radial projections at different radial positions. This allows the valve body to have both positioning capability (through second radial projections with larger outer diameter) and elastic deformation capability (through first radial projections with smaller outer diameter that create gaps), resolving the contradiction between assemblability and insertability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve body's radial projection structure have different outer diameter dimensions. The first radial projections have smaller outer diameters that create gaps for elastic deformation and insertability, while the second radial projections have larger outer diameters that provide positioning stability for assemblability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction.
3Strength
If the annular projection is used to prevent splitting of the valve body, then the structural integrity is improved, but the elastic deformation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular projection is segmented into multiple radial projections positioned at different radial distances. The first radial projections (with smaller outer diameters) maintain structural integrity by preventing splitting, while the second radial projections (with larger outer diameters) create gaps that enable elastic deformation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different radial projections have different outer diameter dimensions optimized for different functions. The first radial projections provide structural support and prevent splitting, while the second radial projections provide clearance for elastic deformation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and elastic deformation capability.
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 design enhances the assemblability and insertability of the male connector while maintaining the valve body's restorability to a closed state, reducing the risk of liquid leakage and accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve body can be positioned in the radial direction by the annular projection and thereby stably attached to the cylindrical section by setting the outer diameter dimension of the annular projection of the valve body substantially equal to the inner diameter dimension of the connection opening of a holder. However, in such a configuration, since the outer peripheral face of the annular projection abuts against the inner peripheral face of the cylindrical section, it becomes difficult for the valve body to elastically deform.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a connector main body having a flow path, an insertion body having a tip serving as a connection opening for the flow path, a valve body formed of an elastic body and arranged on the tip of the insertion body to block the connection opening, and a cap which holds the valve body together with the insertion body. The valve body includes a valve main body having slits, an inner projection formed in an annular shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion body and projecting from a bottom face of the valve main body, and a pair of outer projections arranged point-symmetrically to each other with respect to the axis of the inner projection, each of the pair of outer projections projecting from the bottom face on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the inner projection and being arranged on the inner side of the insertion body.