Peritoneal Dialysis Connector Assembly for Sterile Leak-Proof Tube Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for peritoneal dialysis catheters and transfer sets face challenges in ensuring secure, leak-proof, and easily connectable connections, particularly for outpatient use, while minimizing microbial contamination and providing an emergency cut-off mechanism without compromising sterility.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a connector piece and body with a bore system forming an interference fit and a distally extending collar for secure tube attachment, along with a clamping mechanism for liquid flow control, and optionally incorporating antimicrobial materials for reduced contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector assembly is designed to be easily connectable for outpatient use, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of microbial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is provided in a sterile, pre-packaged state with all components (connector body, tube, collar) assembled and ready for use. The sterile packaging maintains sterility until the moment of connection, allowing easy outpatient use while preventing microbial contamination through pre-sterilization and sealed packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or packaging system acts as an intermediary between the connector assembly and the external environment. This barrier maintains sterility during storage and transport, then allows controlled access at the moment of use, enabling easy connection while preventing microbial contamination.
2Reliability
If an interference fit mechanism is used to secure the tube, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates specific dimensional parameters and tolerances in the interference fit regions to ensure reliable connection. By carefully controlling the diameter and tolerance of the tube and connector body interfaces, the design achieves secure connection while accommodating reasonable manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly uses materials with complementary properties - the connector body and tube are made from materials that provide appropriate friction coefficients and elastic moduli for reliable interference fit. The materials are selected to ensure secure connection while being manufacturable with standard precision capabilities.
3Reliability
If a distally extending collar is added to grip the tube, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is integrated as part of the connector body in many embodiments, merging the gripping function with the existing structure. This combination provides secure tube attachment through the collar's radial engagement while avoiding the complexity of separate, additional components. The collar may be formed as a single piece with the connector body through injection molding or other integral manufacturing processes.
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 assembly provides a secure, leak-proof, and easily connectable solution for peritoneal dialysis systems, minimizing contamination risk and allowing user-controlled emergency cut-off, suitable for outpatient use with enhanced sterility and reduced microbial risk.
Implementation Method 1
the distal portion of the connector body comprising a tubular portion configured to form an interference fit with an end of the tube
Implementation Method 2
a distally extending collar configured to grip an outer surface of the tube when the tube forms the interference fit with the tubular portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector assembly for connecting a catheter tube or a catheter transfer set tube to a peritoneal dialysis cycler, the connector comprising: a connector piece having a proximal portion and a distal portion and having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein a proximal end of the bore defines an opening in a proximal portion of the connector piece for receiving and delivering fluid from and to a peritoneal dialysis cycler, and a distal end of the bore defines an opening in the distal portion of the connector piece; a connector body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein a proximal end of the bore defines a cavity in the proximal portion of the connector body configured to receive the distal portion of the connector piece to position the distal end of the bore of the connector piece in fluid communication with the proximal end of the bore of the connector body, the distal portion of the connector body comprising a tubular portion configured to form an interference fit with an end of the tube, and wherein the connector body further comprises a distally extending collar configured to grip an outer surface of the tube when the tube forms said interference fit with the tubular portion.