Fluid Connector System With Nested Valve Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical fluid connections, such as those used in IV sets, are prone to unintended dislodgement due to external forces, leading to potential patient injury, medication deprivation, and infection risks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system comprising a first valve assembly with a compressible valve and a second valve assembly with a valve plug, designed to resist unintended disconnection by engaging a protrusion against a wall when a pulling force is applied, ensuring a secure fluid pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple fluid connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a nested configuration where the second connector is received within the first connector, forming a nested structure. The inner connector includes an inner valve assembly and the outer connector includes an outer valve assembly, with the inner connector positioned within the outer connector's housing. This nesting provides multiple levels of retention and stability while maintaining ease of connection through a simple insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection system is divided into separate modular components: a first connector with a first valve assembly and a second connector with a second valve assembly. Each connector can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for simplified operation during connection while providing reliable retention through the segmented design that enables controlled engagement and disengagement.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the valve mechanisms directly into the connector housings, integrating the valve assemblies with the connector bodies. The first valve assembly is positioned within the first connector housing and the second valve assembly within the second connector housing, combining multiple functions into unified components that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining secure connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies are designed to automatically engage and seal when the connectors are mated. The compressible valve and valve plug configurations enable self-actuating flow control without requiring external actuators or complex control mechanisms, allowing the connection to secure itself through the insertion motion alone.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy disconnection, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to unintended dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs dynamic retention mechanisms where the valve assemblies can shift positions to lock the connection. The compressible valve and valve plug are configured to move and engage at specific positions during insertion, creating a dynamic locking state that prevents unintended dislodgement while allowing intentional disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assemblies are pre-configured with compressible elements and engagement features that automatically resist separation forces. The compressible valve and valve plug are positioned to create preliminary resistance against unintended disconnection, counteracting potential harmful forces before they can cause patient injury or fluid leakage.
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 system effectively prevents unintended disconnection of medical fluid lines, reducing the risk of patient injury and medication errors while maintaining a secure fluid pathway.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible valve positioned in the cavity, the compressible valve having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion comprises a resilient member
Implementation Method 2
when the first and second valve assemblies are coupled together, the compressible valve is in a second position with the head biased toward the first end of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid connector systems including first and second valve assemblies couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough, and can resist fluid flow through the connector system when the valve assemblies are separated from each other, the first valve assembly including a post forming a fluid passage, and the second valve assembly including a valve plug positioned within a bore and configured to obstruct a fluid passage, such that when the valve assemblies are separated, a slit of the valve plug resist fluid flow therethrough, and when the valve assemblies are coupled together the post extends through the compressible valve and engagement of a ridge of the valve plug against the post resist fluid flow between the post and the ridge.