Living Hinge Capping Device for Medical Access Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical access connectors require two hands to open and close caps, making the process non-transparent and prone to cap loss, and existing designs fail to address the risk of microbial contamination during fluid delivery or withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing capping device with a non-symmetrical or symmetrical design featuring a living hinge mechanism that allows automatic opening and closing with a single hand, compatible with both needleless and needle-based connectors, and made from a single molded piece of material like ABS plastic, ensuring easy and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cap design is used, then the connector is protected from contamination, but two hands are required to open and close the cap making operation complex and prone to cap loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a living hinge that allows it to dynamically open and close automatically. The cap transitions from a static closed position to an open position during use, then automatically returns to closed position, eliminating the need for manual reopening and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cap automatically opens when the connector is engaged and automatically closes when disengaged through the living hinge mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention to open and close the cap, reducing the required manual dexterity while maintaining protection functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If the cap is made from a single molded piece of material, then manufacturing is simplified, but the cap may lack flexibility for proper sealing and engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into distinct functional zones within a single molded structure: a rigid body portion for structural support and engagement, a flexible living hinge section for automatic opening/closing motion, and a sealing portion for contamination protection. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The cap utilizes a single molded material with varying local properties - the living hinge portion has increased flexibility and elastomeric characteristics, while the body and sealing portions maintain rigidity. This composite material approach within a single piece provides both manufacturing simplicity and the necessary flexibility for proper sealing and engagement
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cap automatically closes when not in use, then contamination risk is reduced, but the mechanism adds structural complexity to the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The living hinge creates a dynamic sealing system that automatically transitions between open and closed states based on connector engagement. This dynamic mechanism provides continuous contamination protection without requiring additional active components, maintaining structural simplicity while effectively reducing microbial contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The cap's automatic closing function serves the protection need without external intervention. The living hinge mechanism self-actuates through the natural motion of connector engagement and disengagement, providing contamination protection while adding minimal structural complexity to the connector system
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
Enables transparent and single-handed operation of medical access connectors, reducing the risk of microbial contamination and improving user safety by automatically closing the cap when not in use, while being adaptable to various medical access connector types.
Implementation Method 1
A self-closing capping device with a non-symmetrical or symmetrical design featuring a living hinge mechanism that allows automatic opening and closing
Data Source
AI summary
A capping device that includes a cap, a first member, a second member, and a living hinge is provided. The cap is for covering the top of a medical access connector. The first member is connected with the cap. The living hinge is located between the first member and the second member. Capping and uncapping the medical access connector with the cap is transparent to a user that is manipulating the medical access connector.