Fluid Container Cap with Flush Septum and Valve Ports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid container caps face challenges such as difficult drug admixture during infusion, contamination risks due to complex designs, and issues with simultaneous connection of administration and medication ports, along with problems in disinfection and resealing properties.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a body with two ports, where the first port is a pierceable septum for administration and the second port is a valve-based, needle-free port for medication, both with flush surfaces for easy disinfection and overmolded seal members for improved fluid-tightness and reduced contamination risks, allowing for efficient fabrication and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cap design with separate ports is used, then fluid-tightness is maintained, but drug admixture becomes difficult and simultaneous connection of administration and medication ports is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the administration port and medication port into a single cap structure with integrated seal members. The first seal member (septum) and second seal member (valve) are both accommodated in the same cap body, allowing simultaneous or sequential access for both administration and medication functions without requiring separate caps or complex multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to perform multiple functions: the first seal member allows for administration device connection and fluid withdrawal, while the second seal member enables medication device connection for drug admixture. Both functions are integrated into a single cap structure, making the cap a multi-functional component that handles both administration and medication tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex port designs are used to enable simultaneous connection, then functionality is improved, but contamination risks increase due to difficult disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the outer surface of the first seal member and the outer surface of the second seal member are substantially flush with each other, creating a smooth, uniform surface topology. This flush design eliminates crevices, steps, or irregularities where contaminants could accumulate, making the surfaces easier to disinfect and reducing contamination risks while maintaining simultaneous connection capability.
3Reliability
If non-flush seal member surfaces are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but disinfection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the outer surface of the first seal member and the outer surface of the second seal member are substantially flush with each other, creating a smooth, uniform surface topology. This flush design eliminates crevices, steps, or irregularities where contaminants could accumulate, making the surfaces easier to disinfect and reducing contamination risks while maintaining simultaneous connection capability.
4Productivity
If traditional piercing devices are used, then fluid extraction is effective, but resealing properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a valve mechanism as the second seal member that can be opened by a fluid manipulation device and then automatically closes to maintain fluid-tightness. The valve's ability to transition between open and closed states allows for effective fluid extraction when needed while automatically restoring sealing properties after use, improving resealing reliability compared to traditional puncture-resistant designs.
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 cap facilitates easier drug admixture and administration, reduces contamination risks through improved disinfection and resealing properties, and simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating both ports on a single base, ensuring effective fluid management and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first port (4) comprises a first port housing (41) with a first opening (411). The first port further comprises an elastic first seal member (42) accommodated in the first port housing and sealing the first opening.
Implementation Method 2
The second port (5) comprises a second port housing (51) with a second opening (511). The second port further comprises an elastic second seal member (52) accommodated in the second port housing and sealing the second opening. The second seal member comprises a valve opening (521).
Implementation Method 3
The membrane has self-sealing properties. That is, when the piercing device is pulled out of the membrane, the opening pierced by the piercing device, i.e., the puncture hole, closes at least partially, preferably completely.
Data Source
AI summary
A cap for a fluid container includes: (i) a body, (ii) a first port, and (iii) a second port. The first port includes a first port housing with a first opening and an elastic first seal member accommodated in the first port housing and sealing the first opening. The second port includes a second port housing with a second opening and an elastic second seal member accommodated in the second port housing and sealing the second opening. The first seal member is formed as a pierceable septum. The outer surface of the first seal member is flush with an edge surface of the first opening. The second seal member includes a valve opening configured to provide a fluid-tight connection with a fluid manipulation device.