Infusion Connector Partition for Rapid Fluid Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion set designs, such as those described in JP 2009-160452 A, result in longer administration times for additional infusion lines due to increased distances for liquid to merge with the main infusion line, leading to inefficiencies in medicinal fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
The infusion set incorporates a connector with a partition that divides the flow channel into in-flow and out-flow channels, allowing for efficient merging of additional infusion lines with the main line regardless of their position, using a male and female connector design with a partition that extends through both components to ensure minimal differences in merging routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional infusion lines are attached to the main infusion line using a conventional connector design, then multiple kinds of liquid can be administered to the patient, but the liquid from additional infusion lines must travel a greater distance to merge with the main infusion line, resulting in longer administration time
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's flow channel is segmented into distinct in-flow and out-flow channels by a partition structure. This segmentation creates separate pathways that allow liquid from additional infusion lines to merge with the main infusion line at optimized positions, reducing the travel distance and administration time while maintaining the capability to attach multiple infusion lines.
2Ease of operation
If additional infusion lines are attached at different positions on the main infusion line, then flexibility in connection is improved, but the route distance to the merge point varies significantly, causing inconsistent administration time
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structure creates equipotential flow paths within the connector, where liquid from different connection points on the additional infusion lines travels through channels of comparable length to reach the merge point. This design equalizes the flow path distances, ensuring consistent administration time regardless of the specific connection position, while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion set includes a first infusion line set that forms a first infusion line with an injection port; and a connector including a male connector end that is insertable into the injection port, a female connector end to which a second infusion line can be connected, a flow channel, and a partition. The injection port and the connector are configured such that, when the male connector end of the connector is inserted into the injection port, the flow channel of the connector is divided by the partition into an in-flow channel configured to let in a liquid from the injection port in the first infusion line and an out-flow channel configured to let out the liquid that has entered the in-flow channel to the injection port.