Expandable Slitted Disinfecting Cap for Male and Female Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfecting caps are limited to specific types of connectors and lack a universal design capable of accommodating both male and female threaded connectors, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections due to non-compliance with disinfection protocols.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a housing with split-thread protrusions for male connectors and flexible inner threads for female connectors, incorporating a porous absorbent material and sealing rubber to provide a universal fit and effective disinfection, using a disinfectant or antimicrobial agent to disinfect both types of connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate disinfecting caps are used for male and female connectors, then each cap can be optimized for its specific connector type, but the device complexity increases and compliance decreases due to multiple devices needed
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a universal interface system that can accommodate both male and female connectors through a single device. The cap includes an inner thread for female connectors and an outer thread for male connectors, allowing one cap design to serve multiple connector types, thereby reducing the number of different cap types needed while maintaining disinfection effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If a universal cap design is implemented, then the ease of operation improves and compliance increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper sealing and threading for both connector types
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates different threading configurations at different locations: an inner thread on the inner surface for female connectors and an outer thread on the outer surface for male connectors. Each threading area is optimized for its specific connector type, allowing the cap to interface properly with both male and female connectors while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional scrubbing method is used, then the ease of manufacture remains simple, but the reliability of disinfection decreases due to variable compliance and inconsistent scrubbing technique
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to perform the disinfection function automatically when connected to the connector. The absorbent material containing disinfectant is compressed upon connection, releasing the disinfectant onto the connector surface without requiring manual scrubbing actions, thereby eliminating compliance variability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 cap ensures comprehensive disinfection of both male and female connectors, reducing the risk of contamination and streamlining the disinfection process by providing a mechanical barrier and preventing disinfectant ingress into the bloodstream.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material configured within the second cavity; a disinfectant or an antimicrobial agent
Implementation Method 2
a cover for maintaining sterility and forming a seal at the open proximal end of the housing and flexible container for maintaining the disinfectant or an antimicrobial agent within the second cavity prior to use of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A cap is described for connection to a needleless connector having an open lumen, the cap includes a housing having a top wall and sidewall forming a first cavity, a flexible container, an porous absorbent material and a sealing rubber. The flexible container includes an inner thread on an inner surface, the inner thread being sufficient to interlock with a mating feature of a female needleless connector. The inner surface of the flexible container defines a second cavity. The sidewall of the housing having a split-thread protrusion integrally formed with the distal wall, an outer thread disposed on an outer surface of the split-thread protrusion, the outer thread being sufficient to interlock with a mating feature of a male needleless connector. The second cavity configured to define a chamber to contain an absorbent reservoir material, a sealing rubber and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent.