Dialyzer Connector with Pressure-Actuated Shut-Off Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dialyzer connection systems face issues with liquid leakage and contamination during the rinsing process, as caps can become soiled, deformed, or lost, and the timing of removing caps varies, leading to unprotected connections and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with a shut-off element in the flow channel that closes when no line is connected and opens when a predetermined pressure is reached, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and preventing liquid escape, eliminating the need for additional caps and enhancing sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If caps are used to seal dialyzer ports, then contamination is prevented, but caps can become soiled, deformed, or lost, and timing of removal varies leading to unprotected connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cap component entirely and integrates its sealing function directly into the connector unit. The connector unit includes an integrated seal that automatically seals the dialyzer port when connected, eliminating the need for separate caps and their associated handling complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function previously performed by separate caps is merged into the connector unit itself. The connector unit comprises an integrated seal mechanism that automatically provides sealing when the connector is connected to the dialyzer port, combining connection and sealing functions in one component.
2Productivity
If caps are removed for rinsing, then fluid can be circulated, but liquid may leak out and connections become unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit is pre-configured with an integrated seal that automatically activates when connected to the dialyzer port. This preliminary sealing action occurs before any fluid circulation begins, ensuring that the connection remains protected throughout the rinsing process without requiring cap removal or manual sealing.
3Reliability
If additional caps are used for sealing, then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the connector unit structure itself. The connector unit comprises an integrated seal mechanism that provides fluid-tight sealing when connected, eliminating the need for separate cap components and reducing overall device complexity.
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 solution significantly increases safety by preventing contamination and infection, simplifies handling, reduces the risk of operating errors, and eliminates the need for caps, while providing a flexible and adaptable connection system for dialyzers.
Implementation Method 1
a shut-off element (27, 28, 29, 34) in the flow channel (16, 24) that closes when no line is connected and opens when a predetermined pressure is reached
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (300) for connecting a dialyzer (5) to a fluid-carrying line (3, 9, 10, 12), wherein the connector has a coupling section (15, 33), in particular a male Hansen connector section, for a fluid-tight connection with a connector element (23), in particular a female Hansen connector receptacle, of the line (3, 9, 10, 12). According to the invention, a shut-off device (27, 28, 29, 34, 36) is integrated in a flow channel (16, 24) of the connector, which shuts off the flow cross-section of the flow channel (16; 24) below a predetermined pressure or when there is no fluid connection between the dialyzer (5) and the line (3, 9, 10, 12).