Fluid Connector Assembly with Threshold Snap Decoupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unintended dislodgement of medical fluid connectors can lead to patient blood loss, infection, and IV fluid delivery delays due to unintentional separation, posing risks to both patients and medical professionals.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector assembly with medical connectors that automatically decouple and seal off their respective fluid paths when an external force exceeds a threshold, utilizing a snap member and compressible members to prevent fluid flow and maintain a closed system, ensuring safety and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the medical connectors are designed to remain firmly connected to ensure fluid delivery, then the reliability of fluid delivery is improved, but the risk of unintended dislodgement increases when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly transitions from a static connection to a dynamic system that responds to applied forces. The bellows member and snap member mechanism allow the connectors to remain firmly connected under normal conditions but automatically decouple when a threshold force is applied, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable connection and preventing unintended dislodgement
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a force-sensing mechanism where the bellows member compresses in response to external forces, triggering the snap member to release when a threshold is exceeded. This feedback mechanism enables the connector to automatically respond to pulling forces and decouple, preventing harmful dislodgement while maintaining reliable connection during normal operation
2Ease of operation
If the connectors are designed to allow easy separation for removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system uses a dynamic threshold-based mechanism where the snap member requires a specific force threshold to activate. During normal handling, the connection remains stable and secure. When intentional removal is needed, applying sufficient force to the release mechanism triggers decoupling, thus achieving both connection stability and ease of intentional removal
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows member acts as an intermediary between the external force and the snap member mechanism. It transmits and amplifies the applied force to trigger the snap member release, providing a controlled interface between the user's removal action and the connector decoupling, thereby enabling easy intentional separation without risking unintentional separation during normal use
3Strength
If the connectors remain connected under external force, then the connection strength is improved, but the potential for patient harm from dislodgement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with a pre-set threshold mechanism that prevents harmful outcomes before they can occur. When external force exceeds the threshold, the snap member automatically releases and the bellows compresses, creating a preliminary protective action that prevents the harmful effect of unintended dislodgement and patient harm, while maintaining strong connection under normal physiological forces
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows member provides continuous feedback on the applied force through its compression state. When the force reaches the harmful threshold, the feedback mechanism triggers the snap member to release, automatically preventing patient harm. This feedback loop ensures the connection remains strong under normal conditions but automatically fails safe when harmful forces are applied
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 limits or prevents patient blood loss, IV fluid loss, and medical delivery delays by ensuring secure connection and automatic sealing of fluid paths, enhancing patient safety and reducing infection risks.
Implementation Method 1
automatic decoupling using bellows or other elastically compressible member that decompress and return to their original shape external forces are no longer acting upon them
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid connector assemblies that seal off fluid paths in the respective connectors are disclosed. When connectors of a fluid connector assembly are connected to each other, respective compressible members in the connectors are displaced, allowing downstream fluid passage through the fluid connector assembly. The connectors may be coupled via a connecting mechanism that that provides a threshold retention force. When an external force greater than the threshold force is applied to the fluid connector assembly, the snap mechanism may no longer maintain the connectors together, causing the connectors to decouple from each other.