IV Port Rotationally Fixed Liquid Transfer Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid transfer devices suffer from damage to the adhesive bond when a twist-off member is removed, compromising the connection between the IV port and the remainder of the device due to torque application.

Innovation Solution

A rotationally fixed mechanical connection is engineered between the IV port and the remainder of the liquid transfer device, utilizing a barbed fitting member and cutouts/tabs for secure assembly and minimization of damage during torque application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an adhesive bond is used to connect the IV port to the liquid transfer device, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the adhesive bond is damaged when torque is applied during twist-off member removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidconnection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into multiple components: an IV port body, a separate twist-off member, and a mechanical engagement feature (such as a bayonet-style connector or threaded connection). This segmentation allows the IV port to be securely attached to the liquid transfer device through a mechanical connection that can withstand torque, while the twist-off member can be independently removed without compromising the main connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection between the IV port and liquid transfer device is established before the twist-off member is attached. This preliminary mechanical bonding ensures that when torque is applied to remove the twist-off member, the force is isolated to that component and does not compromise the main connection, preventing damage to the adhesive bond or mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a twist-off member is used to access the IV port, then the port is protected from contamination, but torque application during removal damages the adhesive bond

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidadhesive bond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful function of torque transmission to the adhesive bond is extracted and isolated by introducing a mechanical connection interface between the IV port and liquid transfer device. This interface is designed to absorb and withstand the torque applied during twist-off member removal, thereby protecting the adhesive bond from damage while maintaining the protective function of the twist-off member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical connection interface acts as an intermediary between the twist-off member and the liquid transfer device. This intermediary component receives the torque from the twist-off member during removal and transmits it to the device body through a robust mechanical interface, preventing the torque from reaching and damaging the adhesive bond that secures the IV port.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a mechanical connection is engineered to withstand torque, then the connection integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection integrityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection features are merged into the IV port body and liquid transfer device housing as integral components rather than separate parts. For example, the bayonet-style connector or threaded interface is molded directly into the device structure, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or separate connection mechanisms. This integration maintains connection integrity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection interface is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a secure attachment between the IV port and liquid transfer device, withstands torque during twist-off member removal, and potentially facilitates easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning or maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11918542B2Liquid transfer device
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 WEST PHARM SERVICES IL LTD
  • US11918542B2 patent drawing
  • US11918542B2 patent drawing
  • US11918542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid transfer device is described. The device comprises a connector body comprising a projection portion defining a tab and an IV port arranged at a first end of the connector body, the IV port comprising an elongate connecting member projecting therefrom and defining a cutout. The projection portion is configured to be received by the elongate connecting member, and the tab is configured to mate with the cutout so as to rotationally fix the IV port relative to the connector body.