Universal Fluid Connector Valve for Infusion Pressure Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vascular access devices face complications due to high fluid pressures during medical infusions, leading to vein damage, occlusion, and patient injury, as existing connectors lack pressure regulation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A universal fluid connector assembly with a valve component that responds to applied pressure by closing when it exceeds a threshold, preventing fluid flow and integrating with various medical devices without modifications, utilizing an elastomer material for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fast injection of flush fluid is used to clear occlusions, then the catheter patency is improved, but transient pressure build-up causes vein damage and infusate infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The valve component acts as an intermediary between the fluid delivery system and the catheter/vein. It monitors fluid pressure and intermediates the flow by closing when pressure exceeds the threshold (e.g., 25 psi), preventing direct transmission of harmful high pressure to the vein while still allowing effective flushing at safe pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides pressure feedback control by automatically responding to pressure conditions. When fluid pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold during injection, the valve closes to prevent over-pressurization, creating a feedback loop that maintains safe infusion pressures and prevents vein damage while ensuring adequate flushing capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure regulation is added to connectors, then vein damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve component is designed to be self-regulating without requiring external control systems, power sources, or complex mechanisms. The elastomeric valve automatically opens and closes based on pressure differential, making the system self-regulating and minimizing additional complexity while providing effective pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes changes in elastomeric material properties under pressure to achieve regulation. The material's elastic deformation in response to pressure changes enables the valve to transition between open and closed states, providing pressure regulation through material property changes rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connector design is used, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but compatibility with pressure regulation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly integrates multiple functions into a single universal component: connection interface for various devices, fluid flow path, and pressure-regulating valve mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the same connector to work with different infusion devices while maintaining reliable pressure control through the integrated valve component.
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 solution effectively regulates infusion pressures, preventing vein damage and occlusion, ensuring safe and efficient medical fluid delivery while being compatible with multiple medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an elastomer material for flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Valve components positioned in fluid connector assemblies, including universal fluid connector assemblies, are shown. A valve component is designed to open or close based on fluid pressure from a medical fluid applied to the valve component. Normally, when no force is acting on the valve component, the valve component is in an open position and portions of the valve components are spaced apart by a threshold force, thus forming a valve chamber. However, in an exemplary embodiment, when an applied force by the medical fluid is at least at the threshold force, the portions of the valve component contact each other and the valve component transitions to a closed position, thereby preventing the medical fluid from passing through the valve component, and accordingly, preventing the medical fluid from passing through the fluid connector assembly.