Force-Release Connector With Valve Lockout for Catheter Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheter dislodgement occurs due to excessive forces applied during patient movement, and there is a need for a connection device that prevents unauthorized reattachment and fluid leakage in catheter systems.
Innovation Solution
A force-controlled release connector with a housing, couplers, a valve system, and an actuator that allows controlled disconnection from a needle-free valve when a predetermined force is applied, featuring a pinch clamp to deflect locking fingers and a valve system to seal fluid flow, preventing reattachment and 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 excessive forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The force-controlled release connector acts as an intermediary device between the catheter system and external forces. It includes a force sensor that detects excessive pulling forces and triggers a release mechanism, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the catheter insertion site while maintaining secure connection during normal use
2Ease of operation
If a connector is designed to allow easy connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized reattachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a one-way locking mechanism that performs preliminary action during the connection process. When the connector is properly connected, locking elements automatically engage to prevent disconnection. The system includes features such as asymmetric threading or cam-locked mechanisms that allow easy connection in the forward direction but make reverse movement (disconnection/reatachment) mechanically impossible without special tools
3Quantity of substance
If a connector allows free movement of fluid flow, then the fluid flow is improved, but fluid leakage may occur upon disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a check valve or spring-loaded closure mechanism that performs preliminary anti-action by automatically sealing the fluid pathway when disconnection is detected. The valve is normally open to allow free fluid flow during connected operation, but when the connector is pulled apart, the sealing element is forced into the sealing seat by spring pressure or pressure differential, preventing fluid leakage before the user can react
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.