Anti-snagging Infusion Set Curvilinear Sliding Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion sets often snag on stationary objects during manufacturing and use due to their external shapes with many steps and transition points, leading to potential leaks or separations if weak joints are present, especially when components are caught on edges or equipment.
Innovation Solution
Integration of anti-snagging structures, such as Y-junctions with convex curvilinear sliding surfaces or additional components like slip-on caps with antimicrobial coatings, to prevent snagging by allowing smooth movement past obstructions without compromising the integrity of the infusion set.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If infusion sets have traditional external shapes with steps and transition points, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but snagging on stationary objects occurs during manufacturing and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing traditional stepped external shapes with curvilinear surfaces. Specifically, the infusion set components feature rounded edges and curved transition zones instead of sharp angles and flat steps, allowing the tubing to slide smoothly over stationary objects without catching or snagging during manufacturing and clinical use.
2Reliability
If anti-snagging structures are integrated into infusion sets, then snagging is reduced or eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-snagging function directly into the existing infusion set components by integrating curvilinear surface features into the tubing and connector designs. Rather than adding separate anti-snagging devices, the rounded edges and curved transitions are incorporated as inherent geometric features of the infusion set components themselves, maintaining simplicity while providing protection against snagging.
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 3~4C
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Anti-snagging components for use in infusion sets are provided. The anti-snagging component includes a sliding surface that guides an infusion set component past an obstruction when the infusion set is moved during manufacture or use. An anti-snagging structure may be integrally formed as a portion of an infusion set component or the anti-snagging structure may be a separate component that connects or attaches to an infusion set component. Some anti-snagging structures include a covering portion to cover a needleless connector and a tail portion to connect to a length of tubing. The covering portion may include an anti-microbial coating.