Closed Infusion Adapter Locking Mechanism for Push-Connect Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infusion adapters are cumbersome to use and suffer from performance issues, requiring multi-step connections and lacking sufficient rigidity to resist bending during use.

Innovation Solution

A closed-system infusion adapter with a connection spike and orthogonal connection stick, featuring a locking mechanism with biasing members and reinforcement ribs, allowing for a simplified push-type engagement and enhanced mechanical strength without increasing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-step connection process is used for engaging the external component to the infusion adapter, then the connection can be secure and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the connection process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple connection steps into a single push action. The connection mechanism integrates the engagement, rotation, and locking functions into one unified structure that accomplishes secure attachment without requiring separate manual steps for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is designed to automatically perform the connection steps without requiring manual intervention for each phase. When the external component is pushed into the adapter, the system self-activates the engagement, rotation, and locking sequences through spring-loaded mechanisms and cam-actuated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If the infusion adapter is designed with sufficient structural integrity to resist bending during insertion, then the reliability of use improves, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to bendingVSAvoidadapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments with specialized structural features. The body contains integrated reinforcement elements such as ribs and thickened walls positioned strategically to provide bending resistance only where needed during insertion, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcement features are applied locally at critical stress points within the adapter body, such as the insertion end and connection interfaces. This allows the adapter to achieve sufficient bending resistance during insertion while maintaining a compact overall size and avoiding unnecessary complexity in non-critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the infusion adapter uses a simplified push-type connection mechanism, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of secure connection may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-step manual mechanical operations with an automated spring-loaded locking mechanism. A single push action activates the system, which then automatically engages cam surfaces and locking elements to secure the connection, eliminating the need for multiple manual steps while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded arms and cam-actuated locking surfaces that automatically adjust during the push-type engagement. These dynamic components ensure proper sequencing of connection events and maintain secure attachment through elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates a simplified, leak-free connection process and provides resistance to bending during use, ensuring reliable fluid transfer and improved structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The locking mechanism includes a biasing member and an engagement member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260076873A1Closed-System Infusion Adapter with Simplified Connection Mechanism

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

An infusion adapter for connection with an infusion fluid container is provided. The infusion adapter includes a connection spike positioned at a first end of the infusion adapter, a connection stick positioned at a second end of the infusion adapter and arranged orthogonal to the connection spike, and a joining member connecting the connection spike to the connection stick. The connection spike has a main spike portion and a puncturing point configured to engage an injection port of an infusion fluid container. The connection stick includes a locking mechanism configured to connect to an external component via a push-type engagement, with the locking mechanism including a biasing member and an engagement member. A fluid path extends through the joining member, the connection spike, and the connection stick, to provide for a transfer of fluid from the second end to the first end.