Fluid Connector with Spiked End and Abutment Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid path connectors for medical procedures face challenges such as difficulty of use, sterility maintenance, leakage, and limited flow rates, especially when handling high-pressure and viscous fluids like contrast media.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid connector system with an extending section featuring a spiked end, air and fluid conduits, abutment members, and a check valve, which includes a flexible sterility cover and a larger fluid line cross-sectional area to facilitate easier piercing and higher flow rates, while maintaining sterility and reducing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spike connector with limited cross-sectional area is used to facilitate piercing, then piercing capability is improved, but fluid flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spike connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a piercing tip section with smaller cross-sectional area for easy penetration, and a larger bore section for high fluid flow. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between piercing ease and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a two-dimensional cross-sectional view to a three-dimensional tapered structure. The cross-sectional area varies along the length of the connector, being smaller at the piercing end and larger at the fluid delivery end. This dimensional change enables both piercing capability and high flow rate to coexist.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable disposable patient interface is incorporated in the fluid path, then cross-contamination prevention is improved, but difficulty of use and sterility maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable patient interface is merged with the spike connector itself, forming a single integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate handling and attachment steps, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the sterility benefits of disposability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing features that automatically ensure proper connection and sterility maintenance without requiring complex manual operations. The design makes the sterile connection process intuitive and error-resistant.
3Power
If conventional spike connectors are used at high pressures, then fluid delivery capability is improved, but leakage and failure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector utilizes composite material construction with materials selected for their high pressure resistance and leak-proof properties. The combination of materials provides both the structural strength needed for high pressure delivery and the sealing characteristics that prevent leakage and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates curved and tapered geometries that distribute stress more evenly under high pressure conditions. The smooth transitions and rounded features reduce stress concentration points, thereby preventing failure and leakage at high pressures.
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 enhances the usability and sterility of fluid connectors, allowing for higher flow rates and reduced leakage, particularly when delivering viscous fluids under high pressure, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of medical fluid delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid connector can further include a check valve in fluid connection with the air line
Implementation Method 2
The extending section includes a spiked end to pierce the container port
Implementation Method 3
The first abutment member is adapted to abut a first or air side of the container port upon piercing of the container port. The second abutment member is spaced from the first abutment member and is adapted to abut a second or fluid side of the container port
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector includes an extending section having a spiked end to pierce a container port. The extending section includes at least one air conduit and at least one fluid conduit therethrough. The extending section further includes first and second abutment members. The first abutment member is adapted to abut a first or air side of the container port upon piercing of the container port, and the second abutment member, which is spaced from the first abutment member, is adapted to abut a second or fluid side of the container port. The fluid connector can further include grasping members extending from the extending section to facilitate rotation of the extending section relative to the container port during piercing thereof. The fluid connector can also include a check valve in fluid connection with the at least one air conduit. The check valve may be positioned within the extending section.