Infusion Tube Connector Blocking Device for Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion systems face challenges in preventing the unintentional escape of gases and aerosols during the venting process, which can contaminate the environment with potentially hazardous substances, requiring additional steps and the use of non-hazardous flushing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tube connector with a blocking device, such as a check valve or shut-off valve, that allows fluid to enter but prevents it from exiting, enabling the connection of the infusion tube to an infusion container during venting, ensuring that air displaced by the infusion fluid is redirected into the container rather than released into the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the infusion tube is vented by connecting it to the infusion container, then the air displaced by infusion fluid can be redirected into the container, but the fluid may unintentionally escape from the container through the connection
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking device (check valve or shut-off valve) is introduced as an intermediary component at the second fluid opening of the tube connector. This blocking device mediates the fluid flow by allowing infusion fluid to enter the container during venting while preventing unintentional escape of fluid from the container, thus resolving the contradiction between redirecting air and preventing fluid leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of the second fluid opening (which could allow fluid escape) is extracted and isolated by introducing a blocking device specifically at that opening. The blocking device separates the venting function (air redirection) from the potential harmful effect (fluid escape), allowing the venting process to proceed safely
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking device is added to prevent fluid escape, then environmental contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed as a simple, disposable component that can be easily integrated into the tube connector. Using a check valve or shut-off valve that is part of the standard infusion set components allows for minimal added complexity while effectively preventing fluid escape during the venting process
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device serves multiple functions: it prevents fluid escape during venting, maintains system integrity, and allows for the administration of substances through the same connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional steps and flushing solutions are used to prevent contamination, then environmental safety is improved, but the process time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is pre-installed on the tube connector before the venting process begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that the contamination prevention mechanism is already in place, eliminating the need for additional steps during the venting process and reducing overall procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device automatically performs the contamination prevention function without requiring additional manual steps or flushing solutions. The check valve or shut-off valve self-regulates the fluid flow, allowing the venting process to complete efficiently without extending procedure time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution creates a closed system during venting, reducing or eliminating environmental contamination with toxic substances and simplifying the process by eliminating the need for additional steps or different flushing fluids, while allowing for the administration of substances through the same connection.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking device (16) is configured to block the second fluid opening (14) of the tube connector (10) from fluid exiting the tube connector (10). In a preferred embodiment, the blocking device (16) is a check valve
Data Source
AI summary
A tube connector for an infusion tube is connectable to an infusion container. The tube connector has a first fluid opening that is connectable to the infusion tube or to a drip chamber connected to the infusion tube to provide a first fluid connection between the infusion container and the infusion tube. The tube connector has a second fluid opening connectable to the infusion tube to provide a second fluid connection between the infusion container and the infusion tube. The tube connector has a blocking device configured to block a fluid connection between the infusion tube connected to the second fluid opening and the infusion container connected to the tube connector to prevent a release of fluid from the infusion container into the infusion tube.