Fluid Transfer Connector Locking Against Accidental Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) face challenges in preventing accidental or inadvertent disconnection of connectors during fluid transfer, posing a risk of contamination and compromising the safety of healthcare workers handling hazardous medical compounds.

Innovation Solution

A fluid transfer system with a container and connector design featuring protrusions and a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the inner member relative to the outer member by engaging with a compressive force, ensuring secure connection and disconnection of medical devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a luer-lock connector is used to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into an inner member and an outer member that can rotate relative to each other. The locking function is achieved through rotational engagement of these segmented parts, where the inner member can rotate within the outer member to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, providing secure connection without overly complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the inner member can rotate freely within the outer member during insertion, then locks into position through engagement of locking features. This dynamic capability allows the connector to transition from a free-rotation state during assembly to a locked state during use, maintaining reliability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a locking arrangement is added to prevent rotation of the inner member, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional engagement steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking features are pre-configured on the inner and outer members such that when the inner member is inserted into the outer member, the locking engagement occurs automatically at the correct position. This preliminary arrangement of locking features eliminates the need for separate manual locking steps, maintaining connection stability while preserving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows the locking mechanism to engage automatically through the rotational insertion motion itself. The inner member's rotation within the outer member causes the locking features to engage without requiring additional actions from the user, making the locking process self-service and maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the inner member is designed to rotate freely relative to the outer member, then ease of connection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12383466B2Fluid transfer device and packaging therefor

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 BECTON DICKINSON & CO LTD

AI summary

A fluid transfer system includes a container having a body having a sidewall extending between an open top end and a bottom end along a central axis to define an interior cavity, and at least one protrusion extending from an interior portion of the sidewall into the interior cavity. The system further including a connector configured for receipt within the interior cavity. The connector having a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end and defining a fluid passageway therethrough, and a locking arrangement provided on at least a portion of an inner member of the connector and accessible through at least a portion of an outer member of the connector. The locking arrangement is configured for cooperating with the at least one protrusion to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the outer member.