Adhesive-Free IV Tube Connector Using Mechanical Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IV infusion sets use adhesives to lock IV tubes, which can lead to bacterial infections by allowing adhesives to be injected into patients along with fluids.

Innovation Solution

A connection structure for IV tubes using a connector with an annular ring shape and tapered insertion part, featuring a compression piece to securely lock the IV tube to components like drip chambers, injection sites, and stopcocks without adhesives, ensuring firm connection and preventing separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive is used to lock the IV tube to the connection portion, then the IV tube is securely fixed, but adhesive may penetrate into the IV tube and be injected into the patient, causing bacterial infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of IV tubeVSAvoidbacterial infection risk from adhesive

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful adhesive substance is completely removed from the connection system. Instead of using adhesive to lock the IV tube, the patent employs a mechanical locking mechanism where the connector's tapered insertion part engages with the IV tube through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the source of contamination while maintaining secure fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) is replaced with a mechanical locking system. The connector features a tapered insertion part that mechanically engages with the IV tube through frictional force and geometric constraint, providing secure fixation without chemical substances that could contaminate the IV fluid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If adhesive is used to connect the IV tube, then the connection is secure, but the process requires adhesive application and curing time, reducing work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidwork efficiency in connecting IV tube

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-step adhesive application process is replaced with a single-step mechanical insertion. The connector's tapered geometry allows the IV tube to be locked simply by pushing it into place, where friction and geometric interlocking provide immediate secure fixation without waiting for adhesive curing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-designed with a tapered insertion part and compression piece positioned to automatically engage with the IV tube upon insertion. This preliminary configuration ensures that the locking action occurs immediately during the insertion process itself, eliminating subsequent curing or additional securing steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 minimizes the risk of bacterial infections by eliminating adhesive use, enhancing patient safety and work efficiency through secure and adhesive-free connections.

Implementation Method 1

The insertion part is provided on an inner wall thereof with a compression piece to press the IV tube against the at least one of the drip chamber, the injection site, the Y-port, the three-way stopcock, the filter, and the luer lock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a connector provided on an outer circumferential surface of the IV tube to lock the IV tube, with at least one of the drip chamber, the injection site, the Y-port, the three-way stopcock, the filter, and the luer lock being connected to the IV tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3243550B1Connection structure for infusion tube of administration set

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 MEDI LINE ACTIVE KOREA CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed is a connection structure for an IV tube of an IV infusion set, in which an IV tube is firmly connected by fitting using a connector without using an adhesive, thereby preventing bacterial infection. The connection structure is configured such that an outlet provided in an IV bag is connected to a drip chamber, the IV tube is connected to the drip chamber to allow an IV fluid to flow, an end of the IV tube is connected to an injection site for injecting the IV fluid, wherein a connector is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the IV tube that is connected to the drip chamber and the injection site, thereby locking the IV tube.