Integrated Disinfectant Chamber for Transfer Set Connector Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disinfectant disconnect caps for medical transfer sets are costly, generate waste, and have a limited shelf life, while aqueous-based disinfectants like povidone-iodine require frequent replacement, leading to inefficiencies and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A transfer set with an integrated disinfectant chamber that diffuses disinfectant directly onto the connector, using a self-contained system with a barrier to prevent disinfectant leakage and a resealable design to maintain sterility between uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disinfectant disconnect caps with povidone-iodine solution are used, then connector disinfection is achieved, but cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the disinfectant storage chamber and the connector into a single integrated device. The disinfectant is stored in a chamber that is permanently attached to the connector, eliminating the need for separate disconnect caps. This merging reduces waste by removing the cap after use while keeping the disinfectant source reusable.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the connector to disinfect itself by diffusing disinfectant from its own built-in chamber onto its threads. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external disinfectant applications and repeated cap replacements, reducing both cost and waste.
2Reliability
If disconnect caps are replaced after each use, then contamination risk is reduced, but cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs self-disinfection by diffusing disinfectant from its integrated chamber onto its threads when the cap is removed. This eliminates the need for pre-disinfected disposable caps, allowing the same disinfectant source to be used repeatedly without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfectant is pre-loaded into the integrated chamber in a controlled amount that provides multiple uses. The chamber is designed to release disinfectant gradually over time, providing preliminary preparation for multiple connection/disconnection cycles without requiring frequent replenishment.
3Reliability
If aqueous-based disinfectant is used in disconnect caps, then disinfection is effective, but shelf life is limited and replacement is frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the disinfectant from liquid (aqueous-based) to solid (supersaturated solution or crystalline form). This parameter change allows the disinfectant to be stored in a stable, long-lasting form that does not expire quickly, while still being able to dissolve and diffuse effectively when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The disinfectant utilizes phase transition between solid and dissolved states. The supersaturated solution or crystalline disinfectant remains stable in solid form during storage, then transitions to dissolved state when exposed to moisture or heat during use, providing both long shelf life and effective disinfection.
4Loss of substance
If integrated disinfectant chamber is added to transfer set, then waste is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disinfectant chamber is merged with the connector body as an integrated unit rather than a separate component. This combination reduces the overall number of parts by eliminating the disconnect cap, while the chamber itself serves dual purposes as both storage and disinfection delivery mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chamber serves multiple functions: storing disinfectant, controlling disinfectant release, and providing structural attachment to the connector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, offsetting the added complexity with functional consolidation.
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
Reduces the need for external disinfectants, minimizes waste, and ensures consistent connector disinfection, thereby lowering costs and preventing bacterial contamination.
Implementation Method 1
integrating the disinfectant within the transfer set and diffusing the disinfectant directly onto the connector, so as to sterilize the transfer set connector between transfers
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer set with integrated disinfectant includes a main body, a cap, and a disinfectant chamber. The main body has a hollow tube shape, a catheter end, and a connecting end that includes mating components. The cap is configured to engage with the mating components. The disinfectant chamber is integrated around an outer circumference of the main body. The catheter end selectively couples to tubing. The disinfectant chamber is located between the catheter end and the mating components. The disinfectant chamber includes a closed end adjacent the catheter end and an open end adjacent the mating components. The disinfectant chamber contains a disinfectant.