Fluid Connector Engagement Using Flow Pressure to Prevent Dislodgement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical fluid connections in medical settings, such as IV lines, often dislodge unintentionally due to unexpected forces, leading to potential patient injury, infection, and medication delays, especially during high-pressure infusions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system with a first and second connector portion that form a fluid pathway, featuring an engagement mechanism with an engagement lip and flow path normal to the engagement portion, which uses fluid flow to exert a normal force and prevent unintended disconnection, allowing controlled disconnection when excessive force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional engagement mechanism is used to connect fluid connectors, then the connection can be easily made and broken, but the connection becomes unintentionally dislodged when unexpected forces are applied or during high-pressure infusions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is pre-configured with a flow path that includes a portion normal to the engagement portion, creating a mechanical interlocking structure. When fluid flows through this normal portion, it generates a retaining force that automatically engages the connectors, preventing unintentional dislodgement before it can occur during high-pressure infusions or patient movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid pressure (hydraulics) within the flow path to generate a retaining force. The flow path's normal portion creates pressure differential that exerts force on the engagement portion, using the fluid itself to lock the connectors together during infusion, thereby improving reliability without compromising ease of operation
2Reliability
If a secure engagement mechanism is used to prevent disconnection during high-pressure infusions, then connection stability is improved, but the ability to quickly disconnect when needed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one where the retaining force is actively generated by fluid flow. When infusion pressure is present, the connection is securely locked; when fluid flow stops or reverses, the retaining force dissipates and the connectors can be easily separated. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure engagement and quick disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of engagement force from a constant mechanical latch to a variable force dependent on fluid pressure. The retaining force increases with infusion pressure to maintain connection stability, but decreases when pressure is removed to enable quick disconnection, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter variation
3Reliability
If the flow path is configured to exert retaining force during high-pressure infusions, then connection stability is improved, but the flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports fluid from the tubing opening to the mating opening and generates the retaining force through its normal portion configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to improve connection stability without adding separate complexity-retaining components, as the flow path itself creates the locking mechanism
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 securely maintains fluid connections, preventing unintended disconnection during patient movement or high-pressure infusions, while allowing controlled separation to prevent injury and facilitate reconnection, thus ensuring patient safety and efficient medication delivery.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow through the flow path exerts a normal force on the connector housing and prevent release of the connector housing with the mating connector portion
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid connector systems including first and second connector portions couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough and can resist separation or permit separation as desired. A connector portion can include a connector housing and a cover portion. The connector housing includes a connector body and an engagement portion. The connector body defines a tubing opening and a mating opening. The connector body defines a flow path between the tubing opening and the mating opening. The engagement portion at least partially surrounds the connector body. The engagement portion defines an engagement lip extending radially toward the connector body and is configured to releasably engage the connector housing. The flow path includes at least one portion that is normal to the engagement portion. Fluid flow through the flow path exerts a normal force on the connector housing and prevent release of the connector housing with the mating connector portion.