Infusion Connector with Displaceable Disc and Cutouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for infusion lines often suffer from stagnation of fluid and air pockets, leading to delivery of air bubbles and germs to patients, and inefficient mixing of infusion solutions due to their design, which allows fluid to stagnate at step parts, especially when used in varying orientations.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a disc that is displaceable and a space defined by a side wall and bottom wall, featuring cutouts from the flow passage to the side wall, which guides fluid along the cutouts to reduce stagnation, ensuring fluid flows to the side wall even when the connector is used sideways, thereby suppressing stagnating fluid generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a space larger than the inner passage is provided in the connector body, then a male connector can be inserted and connected, but fluid stagnation occurs at the step part between the inner passage and the space
Solution Approach 1:
The space is divided into an inner passage and an outer passage separated by a partition wall. The outflow passage is selectively connected to either the inner passage or the outer passage, segmenting the fluid flow paths to prevent stagnation while maintaining connector insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is provided at a specific position within the space, creating different flow characteristics in different regions. The outflow passage connection point is strategically located to optimize fluid discharge and prevent stagnation at the step part.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is used in various orientations, then versatility is improved, but fluid stagnation at the step part increases due to gravity-dependent flow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the space into inner and outer passages with a partition wall, the design ensures that fluid can be effectively discharged regardless of orientation. The selective connection of the outflow passage allows optimization for different gravitational directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall creates a three-dimensional flow path structure that addresses stagnation issues from multiple spatial dimensions, ensuring effective fluid discharge in various orientations rather than relying on a single flow direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-way stopcock is provided to switch infusion solutions, then infusion flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way stopcock functionality is merged into the connector body itself, integrating the switching mechanism with the fluid passage structure. This combination reduces overall system complexity while maintaining infusion flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, creates the inner and outer passages, implements the three-way switching capability, and manages fluid discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes: a port in which a disc configured to be displaceable is provided; a space defined by a side wall surrounding the disc in the circumferential direction when the disc is displaced and a bottom wall arranged at a position opposite the disc and configured to allow displacement of the disc; and a flow passage connected to the bottom wall at a position away from the side wall, and allowing fluid to flow therethrough to the space. The connector further includes cutouts formed from the flow passage to the side wall.