Disinfecting Connector Cap With Non-Reusable Locking Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical connectors, particularly luer connectors, face challenges in ensuring effective disinfection and preventing reuse, leading to potential catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), with threaded connectors being secure but difficult to use and slip connectors being quick but less secure.
Innovation Solution
A medical connector system featuring a housing with a locking structure and an insert that includes a sloped tab and threads, allowing for secure engagement and disinfection through an absorbent material that releases disinfectant upon insertion, preventing reuse by non-releasable locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connectors are used to improve security, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring more manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two distinct parts: a threaded portion for secure engagement and a slip portion for quick connection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally - the threaded section provides security while the slip section provides ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a single-dimension threaded design to a multi-dimensional design that incorporates both threaded and slip engagement mechanisms. This dimensional change allows the connector to operate in multiple modes - quick slip connection for routine access and secure threaded engagement for permanent or high-security connections.
2Reliability
If disinfection caps are added to guidelines to improve disinfection effectiveness, then disinfection quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfection cap is merged with the connector body to form an integrated unit. The cap incorporates an absorbent material layer impregnated with disinfectant that is activated upon connection, combining the connector and disinfection functions into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate disinfection steps and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-disinfection through the integrated absorbent material that is activated automatically upon connection. The mechanical action of connecting the device triggers the release of disinfectant, eliminating the need for external disinfection procedures and reducing the complexity of the disinfection process.
3Reliability
If absorbent material is used for disinfection to improve disinfection quality, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but risk of disinfectant entering bloodstream increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material is positioned locally at the connection interface where disinfection is most needed, rather than throughout the entire connector. This localized placement ensures that the disinfectant is released precisely where contaminants are most likely to be present, maximizing disinfection effectiveness while minimizing the amount of disinfectant that could potentially enter the bloodstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector with integrated absorbent material is designed as a single-use disposable device. After one use, the entire connector is discarded, eliminating the risk of reinfection from reused components and ensuring that any residual disinfectant does not remain in the system to potentially contaminate future patients.
4Reliability
If non-releasable locking mechanisms are used to prevent reuse, then prevention of reuse is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with preliminary action features that guide the user through the connection process. The connector includes alignment features and progressive engagement steps that lead the user to properly secure the connection before the non-releasable lock activates. This preliminary guidance ensures ease of operation during the intended single use while guaranteeing prevention of reuse afterward.
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 provides secure, easy-to-use connectors that ensure effective disinfection and reduce the risk of CRBSI by preventing reuse, enhancing user compliance and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material that releases disinfectant upon insertion
Implementation Method 2
releases disinfectant upon insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A medical connector for connection to a corresponding medical connector is described. The medical connector includes a housing having a radial protrusion and a cavity, the cavity defined by a closed end, an open end, a partially cylindrical sidewall and a radial sidewall. The medical connector further includes an insert disposed within the housing, the insert including a locking tab having at least one thread on the inner wall of the locking tab and a recessed notch on the outer wall of the locking tab. The at least one thread of the locking tab engages at least one thread of a corresponding medical connector. Disposed within the cavity, the recessed notch rotates from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position contains a locking structure for non-removably securing the insert to the housing, while allowing for removal of the corresponding medical connector.