Enteral Coupling Lumen Extension Tip for Dosing Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Enteral fluid delivery systems, particularly those conforming to the ISO 80369-3 standard, face challenges in accurate dosing due to variations in coupling sizes and configurations, leading to inaccuracies in fluid administration, and are not compatible with non-ISO 80369-3 formatted components.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a modified female ISO 80369-3 formatted coupling with a lumen extension tip that reduces residual fluid volume and allows for consistent dosing control, enabling engagement with both ISO 80369-3 and non-ISO 80369-3 formatted couplings, and includes a plunger design that minimizes dead space within the syringe for precise fluid delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ISO 80369-3 formatted couplings are used, then standardization and compatibility are improved, but residual fluid volume increases causing dosing inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is segmented into two functional parts: the external coupling interface (ISO 80369-3 standard) and the internal lumen extension tip. This segmentation allows the external interface to maintain standardization for compatibility while the internal tip structure is optimized to minimize residual fluid volume and eliminate dosing inaccuracies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lumen extension tip extends the fluid pathway into a new dimensional space within the coupling structure. By creating an extended lumen that projects into the male coupling, the design reduces dead space and allows for more complete fluid evacuation, thereby improving dosing accuracy without compromising external compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If coupling dimensions are increased, then connectability is improved, but residual fluid volume increases leading to dosing errors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectabilityVSAvoidresidual fluid volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into external dimensional features (collar, hub) that provide ease of connection, and internal lumen features (extension tip) that control fluid volume. This segmentation allows independent optimization of connectability and residual fluid management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lumen extension tip acts as an intermediary structure between the male and female couplings. It mediates the fluid flow path, ensuring that increased coupling dimensions for better connectability do not result in increased residual fluid volume, as the extension tip design facilitates complete fluid evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different coupling formats are used, then versatility is improved, but compatibility between systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling format flexibilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The female coupling incorporates both ISO 80369-3 formatted interface and the capability to accommodate different male coupling formats through the lumen extension tip design. This universal design allows a single female coupling to work reliably with multiple male coupling formats while maintaining consistent dosing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3487576B1Dosing control coupling for enteral fluid transfer and enteral couplings and syringes
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 NEOMED INC
  • EP3487576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3487576B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3487576B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An enteral dosing control coupling comprising a cylindrical collar defining a hollow internal chamber and a lumen extension tip projecting axially into the internal chamber, the lumen extension tip defining an internal lumen extending therethrough. In example forms, the lumen extension tip is integrally formed with the cylindrical collar. In other example forms, the lumen extension tip is a separate piece and is removably engageable within the cylindrical collar. In some example forms, the present invention relates to syringes, connectors, couplings, etc. having ISO 80369-3 formatted couplings. In other example forms, the present invention relates to connectors, couplings, etc. for adapting coupling formats other than the ISO 80369-3 coupling format to the ISO 80369-3 coupling format.