Lever-Locked Fluid Connector for Exchangeable High-Pressure Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connector systems fail to securely couple and decouple fluid line connectors, such as ports and catheters, while maintaining a tight seal under high fluid pressures, especially in applications where the catheter needs periodic replacement without removing the port, which is often larger and more durable.
Innovation Solution
A lockable, exchangeable fluid connector system featuring a connector body with a locking mechanism comprising a first lever arm and a second lever arm that transition from an unlocked to a locked position, utilizing mechanical advantage to ensure a tight seal through oblique to parallel alignment and securement apertures for interference or snap-fit engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fluid connector design is used, then the port can be securely connected, but the catheter cannot be easily replaced without removing the port, and maintaining a tight seal under high pressure is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a port body that remains implanted and a catheter that can be replaced. The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking arm, lever arm, and resilient member, allowing independent replacement of the catheter while retaining the port infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a resilient member (spring) that provides dynamic locking and unlocking actions. The locking arm can transition between locked and unlocked positions dynamically, enabling easy catheter replacement while maintaining secure connection during use through the spring-loaded engagement.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain seal integrity under high pressure, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member (spring) automatically engages and disengages the locking arm without requiring external power sources, complex actuators, or additional control systems. The spring-loaded mechanism self-regulates to maintain locking force under varying pressure conditions, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable sealing.
3Reliability
If the port is removed along with the catheter, then complete system replacement is achieved, but costs increase and tissue damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The port body is designed to be retained and reused multiple times, while only the catheter is discarded and replaced. The locking mechanism enables reliable reconnection of new catheters to the existing port, recovering the value of the implanted port infrastructure and reducing overall system costs by avoiding repeated port implantation procedures.
4Force
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability under high pressure improves, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm, lever arm, and resilient member are integrated into a single cohesive locking mechanism assembly that works together as one functional unit. This merged design achieves reliable high-pressure locking through coordinated action of the components rather than requiring multiple separate locking systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sufficient locking force.
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
The system allows for easy and repeatable locking and unlocking of fluid connectors, maintaining a fluid-tight seal even under high pressure, enabling the reuse of ports and reducing overall costs by allowing catheter exchange without removing the port, while minimizing tissue ingrowth and scarring.
Implementation Method 1
Rotating one of the first lever arm or the second lever arm employs mechanical advantage to urge the port to engage the catheter ensuring a tight seal therebetween even under high fluid pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector system configured to couple a first fluid line structure, e.g. port, with a second fluid line structure, e.g. catheter. The connector system can include a connector body and one or more locking mechanisms designed to transition between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking mechanism includes a first lever arm rotatably coupled to the connector body, and a second lever arm rotatably coupled to the first lever arm. The second lever arm can further be rotatably and releasably coupled to the port. Rotating the first lever arm uses mechanical advantage to urge the port to engage a catheter ensuring a tight seal therebetween even under high fluid pressures.