Port Connector Interface That Sterilizes the Distal Fluid Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional port connectors form a fluid tight seal with fluid ports, preventing sterilization fluid from reaching the interior and exterior surfaces of the fluid port, particularly the distal end, which are crucial for sterilization.
Innovation Solution
The port connectors are designed to allow a porous member or a gasket that does not form a complete fluid tight seal with the fluid port, enabling sterilization fluid to contact and sterilize the entire fluid port, including the distal end, by utilizing a pressure differential to draw the fluid through the lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluid tight seal is formed between the port connector and fluid port, then connection reliability is improved, but sterilization effectiveness deteriorates because sterilization fluid cannot reach the fluid port surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing interface is segmented into multiple regions: a fluid-tight seal region for reliable connection, and a non-sealing engagement region (distal end of fluid port) that allows sterilization fluid access. The porous member is positioned to engage only the distal end without forming a complete seal, creating distinct functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing properties are applied to different parts of the connection interface. The proximal portion forms a fluid-tight seal for reliability, while the distal portion remains open to allow sterilization fluid contact. The porous member provides localized engagement without complete sealing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a porous member is used to allow sterilization fluid access, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A porous member with controlled porosity is used to engage the distal end of the fluid port. The porous structure allows sterilization fluid to pass through and contact the fluid port surfaces while maintaining mechanical engagement. The porous material provides both sealing and fluid permeability functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous member acts as an intermediary element between the fluid port and the external environment. It mediates between the conflicting requirements of connection reliability and sterilization access by providing a structure that allows fluid passage while maintaining engagement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the porous member engages the distal end of the fluid port, then sterilization fluid can reach the exterior surface, but the fluid tight seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement interface is divided into sealed and non-sealed portions. The porous member engages only the distal end portion of the fluid port, leaving the proximal portion available for fluid-tight sealing. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of sterilization access and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming a complete seal around the entire fluid port, the porous member provides partial engagement at the distal end. This partial action is sufficient to allow sterilization fluid access while the remaining portions maintain fluid-tight sealing.
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 ensures thorough sterilization of the fluid port, including its exterior and interior surfaces, by allowing sterilization fluid to reach areas that would otherwise be blocked by a conventional fluid tight seal, ensuring effective sterilization even with the connector attached.
Implementation Method 1
A porous member is supported by the housing. The porous member has a porous structure defining a plurality of minute passageways.
Implementation Method 2
The porous member has a porous structure defining a plurality of minute passageways through which sterilization fluid can pass.
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a pressure differential to draw the fluid through the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to port connectors for sterilizing the exposed surfaces of a fluid port of an article to be sterilized to a sterilization apparatus. The port connector can include a housing that couples to the fluid port. The housing may define an inlet that fluidly couples to the fluid port, an outlet that fluidly couples to the sterilization apparatus, and a fluid passageway fluidly coupling the inlet and outlet. The port connector can include a porous member supported by the housing. The porous member has a porous structure defining a plurality of minute passageways. The porous member is arranged relative to the housing to engage the fluid port when the port connector is connected to the fluid port.