Fluid Transfer Device with Pressure-Actuated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid handling devices lack safety and convenience in preventing accidental discharge and ensuring aseptic administration of parenteral medications, posing risks to healthcare workers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transfer device system comprising a first outer shell with a sealing member and a pressure-actuated opening, combined with a valve actuating device that locks and unlocks to control fluid flow, providing a secure and visual indication of the connection status, and optionally includes a filter for pressure equalization to prevent aerosolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fluid transfer device is used, then fluid can be transferred, but accidental discharge cannot be prevented and aseptic administration is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer housing containing the sealing member, and an inner housing containing the valve assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific safety function independently while maintaining overall device manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is pre-positioned in a closed state before fluid transfer begins, and the valve assembly includes pre-configured locking mechanisms. These preliminary actions ensure that safety features are already in place before operation, preventing accidental discharge without requiring complex real-time controls.
2Ease of operation
If a sealing member with pressure-actuated opening is used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-actuated opening mechanism utilizes the fluid pressure itself to trigger the opening action, rather than requiring an external actuator. The buildup of pressure during fluid transfer automatically opens the sealing member, providing intuitive control without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the destination, mediating flow control through its locking and unlocking mechanisms. This intermediate component simplifies the overall control system by centralizing the decision logic for when fluid should flow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter for pressure equalization is added, then aerosolization can be prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted as a separate, dedicated component within the device architecture, specifically positioned to handle pressure equalization functions. This extraction allows the filter to be optimized for its specific purpose of preventing aerosolization without complicating the overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is placed specifically at the pressure equalization pathway rather than throughout the entire fluid path. This localized placement provides targeted protection against aerosolization only where pressure differentials could cause it, maintaining simplicity in other parts of the device.
4Reliability
If visual indication of connection status is provided, then aseptic administration is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates visual indicators that change appearance (such as color or transparency) to indicate connection status and aseptic conditions. This allows healthcare providers to quickly verify proper setup without requiring complex electronic sensors or additional mechanical indicators.
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 system effectively controls fluid flow, prevents accidental discharge, and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals by ensuring aseptic administration and providing a sterile environment, enhancing safety and convenience in medical fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member positioned within the first fluid flow path, the sealing member comprising a resilient body and a pressure-actuated opening in the resilient body configured to reversibly control flow through the first fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
The first outer shell may also comprise a filter element fluidly connected to a vent aperture configured to provide pressure equalization between the first fluid flow path and atmospheric pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide fluid transfer devices, systems, and methods for their use in delivering medical fluids to a syringe, a cannula such as an intravenous (IV) line, a patient downstream of the fluid transfer device, etc.