Lockable Enteral Adapter Assembly for Leak-Free Cap Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enteral feeding systems face issues with misconnection errors and leakage due to the use of threaded connections, leading to potential safety hazards and hygiene problems, as well as the need for a permanently locked adapter that cannot be inadvertently loosened.
Innovation Solution
An enteral adapter assembly with a locking member that irreversibly mates with the fluid outlet, featuring deflectable elements that lock the adapter in place, preventing unscrewing when the cap is removed, and includes ENFit connectors for compatibility with enteral feed tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable threaded cap is used to close the fluid outlet port during pauses in enteral feeding, then the fluid outlet can be temporarily closed to prevent leakage, but the adapter may be partially unscrewed from the fluid outlet port when the cap is unscrewed, breaking the fluid-tight seal and causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs a preliminary locking action when the adapter is initially attached to the fluid outlet port. The locking member engages with the locking feature before the cap is ever removed, creating a pre-established secure connection that prevents inadvertent unscrewing during subsequent cap removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element between the adapter and the fluid outlet port. This intermediate locking feature mediates the connection, providing an additional layer of security that prevents the adapter from being accidentally disengaged when the cap is removed during pauses in feeding
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connections are used for connecting the adapter to the fluid outlet port and feed tube, then the connections can be made and removed, but misconnection errors may occur and the adapter can be inadvertently loosened leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two connection mechanisms into a single adapter assembly: a removable threaded connection for the cap that allows temporary closure, and a permanent locking connection for the feed tube that prevents inadvertent disconnection. This combination provides both adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism creates an asymmetric connection where the adapter can be easily attached to the feed tube via threading, but cannot be easily removed without deliberate action. The locking feature and locking member are designed with asymmetric geometries that prevent inadvertent loosening while allowing controlled connection and disconnection
3Ease of operation
If the adapter is designed with two threaded connections (adapter to port and cap to adapter), then the adapter can be attached to both the fluid outlet and feed tube, but the adapter may be partially unscrewed when the cap is unscrewed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs a preliminary locking action during the attachment process. As the adapter is screwed onto the fluid outlet port, the locking member automatically engages with the locking feature, establishing a stable locked position before the cap is ever attached or removed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves as an intermediary element that decouples the stability of the adapter connection from the removal of the cap. This intermediate locking mechanism ensures that cap removal does not transmit unscrewing forces to the adapter-port connection, maintaining position stability
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to an enteral adapter assembly for connecting an enteral fluid source to an enteral feed tube, the assembly comprising: an adapter including: a proximal end comprising a first connection portion for attaching to a fluid outlet provided on the enteral fluid source, and a distal end comprising a first threaded connection portion for screwing to an end of an enteral feed tube. A fluid conduit extends between the proximal and distal ends. The assembly further comprises a removable cap having a second threaded connection portion configured for screwing the cap onto the first threaded connection portion, wherein the proximal end of the adapter further comprises a locking member configured to irreversibly mate with a corresponding feature provided on the fluid outlet of the enteral fluid source as the adapter is attached to the outlet to prevent removal of the adapter from the outlet when the cap is unscrewed from the distal end of the adapter.