Locking Piercing Connector Assembly for Sterile Single Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector assemblies pose risks of accidental pricking and contamination due to exposed piercing members, with potential for germ transmission and difficulty in determining reuse status.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly with a sliding piercing member and locking mechanism that locks permanently to a device, ensuring the piercing member is never exposed and preventing reuse, featuring a friction fit sleeve and annular snapping lip for secure attachment and a removable seal for sterility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the piercing member is exposed to enable substance transfer, then the connector can perform its function, but the risk of accidental pricking and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstance transfer functionVSAvoidaccidental pricking and contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The piercing member is nested within the connector body, with only the tip exposed when needed. The friction fit sleeve surrounds and protects the piercing member, allowing it to be withdrawn for substance transfer while maintaining protection when retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The piercing member is designed to be dynamically adjustable - retracted into protection during storage and transport, then exposed when substance transfer is needed. The friction fit mechanism allows controlled movement between these states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the connector allows reuse for cost efficiency, then economic value is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination and germ transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a single-use device that is discarded after one application, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination from reuse. The locking mechanism ensures the piercing member cannot be removed for reuse, and the friction fit sleeve maintains sterility until use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-packaged with the piercing member retracted and protected by the friction fit sleeve. The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically upon insertion, preventing any possibility of reuse before the user even begins operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the piercing member is permanently locked to prevent reuse, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-use assuranceVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into simple components: the friction fit sleeve and the locking feature on the connector body. These separate elements work together through a simple friction-based engagement that requires no complex springs, cames, or multi-step operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is self-activating - the friction fit sleeve automatically engages the locking feature when the piercing member is inserted into the connector body. No additional user action is required to activate the lock, and the design itself ensures the piercing member cannot be removed once locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution ensures sterility and prevents accidental pricking and cross-contamination by maintaining the piercing member in a sterile state and preventing reuse, suitable for single-use applications in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

a friction fit sleeve (12) enclosing the piercing member (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a penetrable septum moveable between (i) a first position, wherein the penetrable septum is uncompressed, and (ii) a second position, wherein the penetrable septum is compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3405231B1Single use connectors

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 GETINGE ASEPTIC SOLUTIONS LLC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Connector assembly including a piercing member having a flow port therein attached to a first piece, with the piercing member slidingly receivable within a second piece, wherein the piercing member and the second pierce are movable relative to each other between a first position where the second pieces closes the flow port and a second position where the flow port is open. The first piece contains a locking mechanism that lockingly engages with a device when connected thereto, preventing subsequent disconnection of first piece and the device. Upon initial connection of the first piece to the device, the second piece is moved from the first position to the second position.