Infusion Site Interface Single Septum Guided Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion site interfaces with angled cannulas are prone to catching on clothing or obstacles, leading to accidental disconnection or removal of the cannula, and existing designs with two septums are costly and have a higher profile, increasing this risk.
Innovation Solution
An infusion site interface with a single septum that can be penetrated by both the insertion needle and the connector's hollow needle, guided to be parallel to the skin surface, reducing the overall height and risk of catching, and incorporating guiding means to ensure safe coupling with infusion tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an angled infusion cannula is used to facilitate manual insertion and increase infusion depth, then the ease of operation and safety are improved, but the device becomes prone to catching on clothing or obstacles, increasing the risk of accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to approach the septum from a different spatial dimension (horizontally from the side) rather than continuing the angled trajectory of the cannula. This dimensional change allows the connector needle to penetrate the septum perpendicularly while the cannula maintains its angled insertion path, resolving the conflict between insertion ease and disconnection risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The penetration path is segmented into two distinct phases: first the cannula penetrates at an angle for insertion ease, then the connector needle penetrates the septum perpendicularly from the side. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If two septums are used to allow separate penetration paths for insertion needle and connector, then the reliability of fluid connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single septum is designed to serve multiple functions: it seals the cavity during cannula insertion, allows penetration by the insertion needle, and subsequently allows perpendicular penetration by the connector needle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate septums while maintaining fluid connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum is designed with specific geometric parameters that allow it to be penetrated at different angles by different needles. The septum's thickness, material properties, and orientation are optimized to accommodate both the angled cannula penetration and the perpendicular connector penetration without compromising sealing reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two septums are used to accommodate different needle angles, then the adaptability of the interface is improved, but the overall height increases, increasing the risk of catching on clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector approaches the septum from a horizontal dimension rather than continuing the vertical/angled path of the cannula. This dimensional change allows the interface to accommodate different needle angles without increasing the overall height in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the risk of catching on clothing.
4Reliability
If the connector needle penetrates the septum at an angle matching the cannula, then the fluid connection is established, but the connector protrudes above the interface body, creating a catching hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The connector needle penetrates the septum from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the septum surface, rather than continuing the angled trajectory of the cannula. This allows the connector to remain flush with or below the interface body surface, eliminating the protruding hazard while still establishing reliable fluid connection through the septum.
Data Source
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AI summary
An infusion site interface (1) comprises an interface body (16) mounted on a pad (15) adapted for being adhesively attached to a body of a patient; a soft infusion cannula (12) adapted for being inserted into the body of the patient, wherein the cannula (12) is connected to the interface body (16); a cavity (17) arranged within the interface body (16), fluidly connected to the cannula (12); and a single septum (13) that sealingly closes the cavity (17). The single septum (13) is adapted to be penetrable by an insertion needle (11) arranged in the infusion canula (12), and is adapted to be penetrable by a hollow needle (21) of an infusion tubing connector (21) coupled to the infusion site interface (1). The hollow needle is arranged in an angle β to the infusion cannula. The infusion site interface (1) comprises guiding means (14) that are adapted to guide said hollow needle (22) of the connector (21) during coupling parallel to a plane defined by the pad (15).