Force-Release Catheter Connector With Leak-Safe Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved connection devices in catheter systems that provide controlled disconnection to prevent catheter dislodgement due to excessive forces, while also incorporating safety features to prevent unauthorized reattachment and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A force-controlled release connector is designed to couple with needle-free valves, featuring an outer housing with a first and second coupler, a valve system, and an actuator with locking fingers. This connector allows for controlled disconnection by applying a predetermined pulling force and includes safety features to prevent reattachment and fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securement device is used to attach the VAD and tubing to the patient's skin, then the catheter is secured in place, but the catheter may become dislodged when greater forces are exerted than the securement device was designed to withstand
Solution Approach 1:
A force-controlled release connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the extension set and the needle-free valve. This connector includes a collapsible collapsible section that acts as a mechanical mediator, absorbing excessive pulling forces through controlled collapse while allowing normal use forces to pass through. The connector thereby protects the catheter from dislodgement without interfering with its secure attachment to the patient.
2Reliability
If a force-controlled release connector is designed to allow controlled disconnection, then catheter dislodgement is prevented, but unauthorized reattachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a first coupler for attachment to the extension set, a second coupler for attachment to the needle-free valve, and a collapsible section between them. The collapsible section includes locking mechanisms with locking fingers that can be actuated to lock or unlock the connection. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be positioned remotely from the connection interface, enabling secure locking while maintaining the ability to control disconnection and prevent reattachment through the actuator system.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows free movement of the actuator, then operation is simplified, but fluid leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a valve system that is preliminarily configured to seal the lumen when the actuator is in a first position. The valve includes a valve member that automatically positions itself to close the flow path when the actuator moves to the first position, preventing fluid leakage before disconnection occurs. This preliminary sealing action ensures that even if the actuator moves freely, fluid leakage is prevented by the automatic valve response.
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 force-controlled release connector effectively prevents catheter dislodgement by controlling the disconnection force and ensures safety by preventing unauthorized reconnection and fluid leakage, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of catheter systems.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator movable within the outer housing in a lengthwise direction between a first position and a second position, the actuator including an arrangement of locking fingers configured to deflect from a locked position to a movement position
Implementation Method 2
a pinch clamp engageable with the locking fingers to deflect the locking fingers from the locked position to the movement position
Implementation Method 3
When in the first position, the actuator causes the valve system to be in a closed state that seals the lumen from an external environment
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes an outer housing defining a lumen, a first male coupler mateable with a needle-free valve and positioned at a first end of the outer housing, a second male coupler positioned at a second end of the outer housing, a valve system to control fluid flow through the lumen, and an actuator movable within the outer housing between a first position and a second position. A pinch clamp of the connector operates to selectively deflect locking fingers of the actuator from a locked position to a movement position to selectively enable or prevent movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator, based on its positioning in the first or second position, causes the valve system to be in a closed state or an open state and blocks or allows the first coupler to couple with the needle-free valve.