Medical Connector Assembly With Force-Triggered Timed Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for medical tubing and catheters often dislodge due to improper securement or forces exceeding their design limits, leading to interruptions in medical fluid administration and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a pusher mechanism and stopwatch activation that secures the connection until a predetermined threshold force is exceeded, then automatically decouples and seals the outlet to prevent leakage, while activating a timer to track disconnection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used to secure catheters and tubing, then the connection can be maintained during normal use, but the connector may dislodge when forces exceeding design limits are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly employs a dynamic pusher mechanism that responds to applied forces by translating between engaged and disengaged positions. The pusher is biased by a spring to remain engaged during normal use, but automatically translates to disengage when excessive force is applied, allowing the connector to adapt its state based on real-time force conditions rather than maintaining a static connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pusher acts as an intermediary element between the connector body and the luer portion. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing excessive pull forces through its translation, thereby protecting the catheter insertion site from dislodgement while still allowing controlled disconnection when needed. The spring-loaded pusher serves as a mechanical mediator that translates force conditions into appropriate connector responses.
2Reliability
If the connector is designed to remain securely connected, then catheter dislodgement is prevented, but accidental disconnection cannot be intentionally achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher mechanism provides dynamic control over connection stability. During normal use, the spring-loaded pusher maintains engagement to prevent dislodgement. When intentional disconnection is required, applying controlled force causes the pusher to translate and disengage, allowing easy and intentional removal without compromising the stability maintained during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy disconnection, then intentional removal is simple, but accidental dislodgement occurs during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher mechanism creates a dynamic threshold system where normal use forces keep the pusher engaged for secure connection, while intentional disconnection requires exceeding this threshold. The spring bias ensures that normal disturbances cannot cause disengagement, but controlled force application enables easy intentional removal when needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connector uses a simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but it cannot provide force threshold detection or timing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The stopwatch serves as an intermediary device that detects and records the timing of disconnection events. When the pusher translates to disengage, it activates the stopwatch mechanism, providing a simple yet effective way to detect and measure the duration of disconnection without adding complex sensing systems. This intermediary approach enables force threshold detection through the mechanical action of the pusher itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly may include a cover defining a cavity, a luer portion extending through an open end of the cover, a proximal connector disposed at least partially in the cavity of the cover, a pusher mounted on the proximal connector, a distal connector at least partially disposed in the cover, and a stopwatch mounted on the cover and including at least one contact. The pusher may include a body portion and first and second pusher legs extending from the body portion. When the distal connector is coupled to a mating connector, the stopwatch may abut the first pusher leg such that the at least one contact is recessed within the stopwatch. When a force applied to the proximal connector exceeds a predetermined threshold the stopwatch may be separated from the first pusher leg and the at least one contact may extend proximally to activate a timer of the stopwatch.