Deformable Luer Valve Connector for Safe IV Line Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical fluid connections in medical settings, such as IV lines, frequently become dislodged due to unintended forces, leading to potential patient injury, infection, and medication delays.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system featuring a deformable valve member with a spherical portion and a slit, which selectively prevents or allows fluid flow based on force application, ensuring secure connection and controlled disconnection to resist unintended dislodgement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fluid connector is used, then the connector is simple in structure, but it becomes dislodged when unintended forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a deformable valve member that dynamically changes its configuration based on applied forces. When unintended pulling forces are applied, the valve member deforms to close the fluid pathway, preventing disconnection. This dynamic response allows the connector to adapt to external forces while maintaining connection stability without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes a deformable valve member whose physical state changes in response to applied forces. The valve member transitions from an open configuration (permitting fluid flow) to a closed configuration (preventing fluid flow) when pulling forces exceed a threshold. This parameter change allows the connector to respond to force variations while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a secure connection method is used, then the connector resists dislodgement, but it may cause injury when excessive force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector converts the harmful effect of excessive pulling forces into a beneficial safety mechanism. When forces exceed a safe threshold, the deformable valve member closes to stop fluid flow, preventing catheter dislodgement and patient injury. The harmful force that could cause injury is instead utilized to trigger the safety closure mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a pre-designed failure mechanism in the form of a deformable valve member that closes before catastrophic failure occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when excessive forces are applied, the system transitions to a safe state (closed valve) rather than allowing uncontrolled disconnection that could injure the patient.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy disconnection, then it is easy to operate, but it becomes dislodged by unintended forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector creates a dynamic distinction between intentional and unintentional forces. Intentional disconnection forces (applied by healthcare providers) overcome the valve closure mechanism to open the pathway, while unintentional forces (patient movement) trigger valve closure. This dynamic response maintains ease of operation for intended use while preventing accidental dislodgement.
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 system effectively maintains fluid pathways, preventing injury and infection by resisting unintended disconnection and allowing safe reconnection, thus ensuring continuous and safe fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable valve member disposed within the housing volume and comprising a spherical portion extending partially through the valve opening, wherein the spherical portion defines a slit, and the deformable valve member is configured to selectively prevent fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening and to deform to expand the slit and permit fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening
Implementation Method 2
a spherical valve member disposed within the housing volume, wherein the spherical valve member is configured to selectively obstruct the valve opening to prevent fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening and to displace away from the valve opening and permit fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid connector systems including first and second connector portions couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough, and can resist fluid flow through the connector when the connector portions are separated from each other. A connector portion can include a connector housing, a luer portion, and a deformable valve member. The deformable valve member is disposed within the connector housing and includes a spherical portion extending partially through a valve opening of the connector housing. The spherical portion defines a slit, and the deformable valve member is configured to selectively prevent fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening and to deform to expand the slit and permit fluid flow from the housing volume through the valve opening.