Enteral Feed Interlock Adapter with Asymmetric Locking Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enteral feeding systems face challenges in securing connections between feeding tubes and catheters, leading to potential leaks, discomfort, and reduced patient mobility due to rigid designs and complex alignment requirements, especially in low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

An interlock adapter connector with a rigid body, flexible arms, and a catheter base with an interlock inset, featuring a locking mechanism that allows for secure connection and easy disconnection, and the option to be made from materials that glow in the dark for improved visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection adapters are notched or keyed requiring alignment and twisting, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in alignment especially in dark conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs asymmetric locking arms with protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the catheter adapter, eliminating the need for precise alignment. The asymmetric design allows the arms to naturally guide the connection while maintaining secure locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arms automatically engage with the catheter adapter when the connector is inserted, requiring no manual alignment or twisting actions. The self-acting mechanism performs the connection function automatically, improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If locking devices protrude from the catheter, then secure connection is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to reduced mobility and skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arms are nested within the body of the connector when not in use, and the catheter adapter is received within the connector housing. This nested configuration eliminates protruding elements that would irritate the patient's skin or restrict mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If snap connectors require forceful pushing and pulling, then connection can be made, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of catheter removal or irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection easeVSAvoidcatheter stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arms are designed to be flexible and movable, allowing them to flex during insertion and then lock into place with a gentle snapping motion. This dynamic design eliminates the need for forceful pushing while maintaining secure connection and preventing catheter displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3145572B1Interlock feed set coupling

Publication Date: 2020.05.27 APPLIED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INC

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AI summary

An interlock coupling adapter for delivering medical fluids to a patient, for example, with enteral feed set devices is provided herein. The interlock coupling adapter increases patient comfort and ensures a secure connection between a button/button base and a food source or medical fluid source. The interlock coupling adapter has an interlock inset within an opening of a button base. The interlock has a recess in which locking protrusions of an adapter may fit within. In this way, the adapter may freely rotate about the interlock. The adapter may be connected or disconnected by depressing flexible arms hinged to the adapter.