Medical Device Connection System with Distinct Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device connection systems lack intuitive and secure methods for connecting and disconnecting medical device components, such as intravenous line connectors, which can lead to inadvertent disconnections and increased risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A connection system with distinct connection and disconnection paths, utilizing elastically deformable elements that provide audible and tactile feedback, ensuring secure engagement and easy disengagement of medical device components, like injector adapters and IV line adapters, through specific channel and securement mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single path is used for connection and disconnection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the risk of inadvertent disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct paths: a connection path for engaging components and a disconnection path for disengaging them. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, making connection and disconnection operations more intuitive and less prone to error.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection and disconnection paths are designed with asymmetric geometries that guide the projecting element through different trajectories. The connection path facilitates easy engagement while the disconnection path requires a specific rotational motion, preventing accidental disconnections while maintaining ease of intentional disconnection.
2Device complexity
If a single path is used for connection and disconnection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of inadvertent disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
By separating connection and disconnection into distinct paths, the system ensures that disconnection cannot occur accidentally through the connection path. The disconnection path is specifically designed to require intentional user action, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distinct disconnection path is designed to prevent inadvertent disconnection by requiring a specific rotational motion that is not accidentally triggered during normal use. This preliminary design feature counteracts the potential harmful effect of accidental disconnection.
3Ease of operation
If elastically deformable connection elements are used, then audible and tactile feedback is provided improving ease of operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable connection elements provide audible (clicking sounds) and tactile (vibrations, resistance changes) feedback during connection and disconnection. This feedback mechanism confirms proper engagement and disengagement to the user, improving ease of operation despite the added complexity of deformable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable connection elements are designed to provide real-time feedback to the user through audible clicks and tactile sensations. This feedback confirms the status of connection and disconnection, reducing user uncertainty and improving operational ease.
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 enables quick, intuitive, and secure coupling and decoupling of medical device components, minimizing the risk of inadvertent disconnections and providing clear feedback, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deformable connection elements
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system for connecting a first medical device component to a second medical device component is disclosed. The connection system of the present disclosure provides for quick and intuitive coupling and decoupling of two opposing medical device components through the use of a connection path and a disconnection path, the connection path being distinct from the disconnection path. Furthermore, the connection system of the present disclosure provides audible and tactile connection feedback through the use of elastically deformable connection elements.