Rotatable Infusion Set Connector With Incorrect-Attachment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion sets are difficult to handle and operate, leading to potential operating errors.
Innovation Solution
The infusion set design includes a base part with a cannula for subcutaneous insertion and a connector part with a snap connection, featuring a rigid needle and soft cannula arrangement, along with a check valve to prevent backflow and a protective element to prevent puncture injuries, ensuring easy attachment to the skin and secure connection to the infusion device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector part and base part are made rotatable relative to one another, then wearing comfort is improved, but handling and operation become more difficult due to possible operating errors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector part is designed with an asymmetric shape that does not match the base part unless oriented correctly. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the connector can only be attached to the base part in the correct rotational position, preventing incorrect connections while still allowing the desired rotatability for comfort adjustment.
2Reliability
If a rigid needle is used for subcutaneous penetration, then penetration reliability is improved, but risk of puncture injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid needle is nested within a protective element that covers its sharp end. During insertion, the protective element is removed or repositioned to expose the needle tip for reliable penetration. After use, the protective element can be replaced to cover the needle tip again, preventing puncture injuries during handling and disposal.
3Reliability
If a check valve is added to prevent backflow, then medication delivery control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed as a passive, self-actuating component that automatically opens to allow medication flow in the forward direction and automatically closes to prevent backflow based on pressure differential alone. This eliminates the need for external control mechanisms, motors, or complex actuation systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable one-way flow control.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion set includes a base having a cannula for delivering a liquid medicament on a distal side for placing on a patient and a projection and recess and/or an annular groove on a proximal side. A connector for connection to an infusion device includes a protrusion on a distal side. The base and the connector are rotatably connectable to each other. The protrusion of the connector may be engaged with the projection and recess of the base such that, upon relative rotation between the connector and base, an acoustic and/or tactile signal indicates that the connector is connected incorrectly to the base; and/or the protrusion of the connector may be brought into engagement with the annular groove of the base such that the connector is rotatable relative to the base without causing noise and/or a tactile signal to indicate that the connector is connected correctly to the base.