Fluid Transfer Connector with ENFIT Couplings for Accurate Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid transfer systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately transferring medications and other fluids between pharmacy bottles and syringes, particularly in ensuring compatibility with different container sizes and preventing dosing inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The development of a capping device and fluid transfer connectors that include male and female ENFIT compatible couplings, resilient flanges for secure engagement, and sealing mechanisms to facilitate fluid transfer while accommodating various bottle sizes, and incorporating dosing control couplings to minimize inaccuracies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional press-in or stepped adapters are used for fluid transfer, then compatibility with various container sizes is achieved, but dosing accuracy deteriorates due to lack of precise control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidcontainer size compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly incorporates multiple coupling types (ENTERAL-only and ENFIT) in a single device, allowing it to interface with different syringe types while maintaining precise dosing control through the integrated plunger mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary device between the pharmacy bottle and syringe, providing a controlled interface that ensures accurate fluid transfer while accommodating various container and syringe configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If simple transfer lids are used on pharmacy bottles, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential dosing errors and lack of sealing control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidfluid transfer simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter incorporates a self-sealing mechanism where the plunger automatically seals the conduit when retracted, and the cap provides automatic sealing when closed, reducing reliance on user technique while maintaining ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient plunger provides tactile feedback to the user during fluid transfer, allowing verification of proper engagement and sealing, thereby ensuring reliable dosing while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate adapters are used for different container types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer and syringe compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of adapter components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter assembly merges multiple coupling types (ENTERAL-only female coupling and ENFIT male coupling) and sealing mechanisms into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate adapters while maintaining broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If no sealing mechanism is used during fluid transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential fluid leakage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid leakage and contaminationVSAvoidtransfer process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mechanism operates automatically through the resilient plunger and cap closure, providing reliable sealing without requiring additional user actions or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient plunger utilizes elastic deformation of a flexible membrane to create an effective seal, combining simplicity of operation with reliable protection against leakage and contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides reliable, accurate, and versatile fluid transfer between containers and syringes, ensuring compatibility with different container sizes and reducing dosing errors, thus enhancing the efficiency and precision of medication dispensation.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing mechanism includes a substantially resilient grommet having a first open end for receiving the male coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the outer peripheral surface includes a plurality of laterally offset flanges for providing frictional engagement with an opening of a medicine bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12447112B2Fluid transfer connector

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 AVENT INC

AI summary

A fluid transfer connector or adapter for coupling a container or pharmacy bottle for facilitating the transfer of fluid or medicine from the bottle to a syringe, or from the syringe to the bottle. Optionally, an additional connector can be provided for coupling the fluid transfer connector to the syringe.