Closed Fluid Transfer Connector With Membrane Locking Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare providers are at risk of exposure to hazardous drugs during the transfer of chemotherapy drugs due to unintentional release into the atmosphere, necessitating a system for closed fluid transfer that prevents leakage and aerosolization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a syringe adapter with a housing, cannula, and a seal arrangement including a membrane and locking mechanism, which secures a second component to the syringe adapter through a biasing member and engagement member, ensuring a leak-proof connection with a patient connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector is designed to interface between a syringe adapter and a fluid container, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but the risk of particulate generation and contamination increases due to potential damage to the fluid container membrane
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane interface component is introduced as an intermediary between the syringe adapter and the fluid container. This component includes a reception surface with a reception opening that receives the puncture element, and a membrane that seals against the puncture element. The intermediary protects the fluid container membrane from direct contact and potential damage by the puncture element, while still enabling fluid transfer through the membrane interface component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a self-sealing mechanism where the membrane interface component automatically seals around the puncture element upon insertion. The biasing member applies continuous force to maintain sealing engagement between the membrane and the puncture element, creating a self-sustaining seal that prevents particulate generation and contamination without requiring additional active components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the fluid container to the syringe adapter, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes the existing puncture element and membrane interface component to achieve automatic locking upon insertion. The biasing member provides continuous sealing force that also serves as the locking force, maintaining engagement between the syringe adapter and fluid container without requiring separate locking components. This self-service approach achieves stable connection while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and locking function are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The biasing member simultaneously provides sealing force against the membrane and locking force to maintain the connection between the syringe adapter and fluid container. The puncture element serves both as the fluid penetration tool and as the locking engagement feature, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a membrane interface component is introduced between the syringe adapter and fluid container, then protection against particulate generation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane interface component is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a sealing surface for the puncture element, protects the fluid container membrane from damage, prevents particulate generation, and maintains connection stability through the biasing member. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design achieves protection against particulate generation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 provides a sealed and leak-free connection, preventing accidental needle sticks and fluid leakage during fluid transfer, thereby reducing exposure risks for healthcare providers.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism includes a biasing member and an engagement member positioned on the biasing member
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for closed transfer of fluids includes a syringe adapter including, a cannula having a first end and a second end with the second end positioned within the housing, and a seal arrangement positioned within the housing and movable within the housing with the seal arrangement including a membrane. The system including a second component including a membrane and a locking mechanism. The second component configured to be received by the syringe adapter such that the membrane of the seal arrangement engages the membrane of the second component. The locking mechanism including a biasing member and an engagement member positioned on the biasing member, with the engagement member configured to engage a portion of the housing of the syringe adapter to secure the second component to the syringe adapter when the second component is received by the syringe adapter.