Infusion Adapter Helical Anchor Reduces Spiking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous drug transfer procedures face issues with unsecure connections between syringes and infusion bags, leading to accidental disconnections and leakage, requiring high forces to pierce fluid barriers.
Innovation Solution
An infusion adapter with a helical thread anchor component that securely connects to the infusion bag, reducing the force needed to pierce the fluid barrier and preventing disconnection, by self-tapping into the bag's interior thread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional syringe connection is used to inject medication into an infusion bag, then the injection can be performed, but the connection is unsecure leading to accidental disconnection and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a spike portion for piercing the fluid barrier, a connection portion with anchor component for secure attachment, and a body portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the anchor component providing reliable connection security while the spike handles the piercing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor component is inserted into and engages with the interior thread of the injection port, creating a nested connection structure. The spike is received by the connection portion, and the entire assembly is nested within the infusion bag's injection port system, providing secure attachment through hierarchical nesting of components.
2Force
If a conventional connection method is used, then the syringe can be connected to the infusion bag, but high forces are required to pierce the fluid barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The spike portion is formed with a curved or angled configuration rather than a straight rigid structure. This curvature allows the spike to follow the contour of the fluid barrier during insertion, distributing the piercing force more effectively and reducing the peak force required to penetrate the barrier compared to a straight rigid spike.
Solution Approach 2:
The spike portion is designed with specific geometric parameters including angle, length, and cross-sectional shape that are optimized to reduce piercing force. The connection portion includes a fluid barrier member with controlled thickness and material properties that facilitate easier penetration while maintaining seal integrity.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is implemented with an anchor component, then disconnection is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the injection port assembly: the fluid barrier member provides both sealing and structural support, the interior thread is integrated directly into the port wall rather than being a separate component, and the anchor component combines both connection and locking functions in a single element. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection portion serves multiple functions: it receives the spike, provides structural support, contains the interior thread for anchoring, and maintains the fluid seal. The anchor component simultaneously provides both mechanical attachment and prevention of disconnection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion adapter for connection with an infusion fluid container includes a connection portion including an anchor component for connecting to an injection port of the infusion fluid container, and a first port adapted for connection with a syringe assembly containing a medication fluid. The first port is in fluid communication with the connection portion. The anchor component is configured to securely connect the infusion adapter to the infusion fluid container to substantially prevent disconnection of the infusion adapter from the infusion fluid container once the infusion adapter is connected to the infusion fluid container.