Medical Fluid Connector with Integrated Data Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical fluid guidance and transfer systems lack automated validation of fluid connections, medication compatibility checks, and therapy documentation, posing risks to patients and requiring extensive manual documentation, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The development of connectors with integrated data transmission devices, such as inductive coils, that allow for secure fluid coupling and simultaneous data exchange, enabling automated validation of connections, medication compatibility checks, and electronic documentation of therapy processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection checking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of fluid transfer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluid connection and data connection into a single integrated connector assembly. The data contacts are embedded within the fluid connector housing, allowing simultaneous establishment of both fluid and electrical connections through one coupling action. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual checking procedures while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it establishes fluid flow paths, provides electrical contact for data transmission, enables connection validation, and ensures proper component pairing. By integrating these diverse functions into a single component, the system achieves automated reliability verification without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If automated data transmission is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data transmission capabilities directly into the fluid connector by embedding data contacts within the connector housing. This integration allows automated documentation and validation to occur simultaneously with the physical connection process, improving productivity without requiring separate complex documentation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated connection validation, component identification, and documentation without requiring external intervention. The embedded data contacts automatically exchange information between components, enabling the system to self-verify and self-document, thereby improving productivity while keeping the added complexity minimal.
3Measurement precision
If data contacts are embedded in connector, then measurement precision of connection status is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data contacts are nested within the fluid connector housing, with the electrical contacts positioned inside the connector body. This nesting arrangement provides mechanical protection and defines precise relative positions through the housing structure itself, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing of the contacts while maintaining accurate alignment for data transmission.
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
This solution ensures safe and accurate fluid transfer by preventing misconnections and incompatibilities, reducing manual errors, and enhancing patient safety through automated documentation and integration with electronic workflows.
Implementation Method 1
designed with a coil for inductive coupling with the transmission device of the counter connector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Connecting pieces (100) for fluidically coupling medical devices and/or medical lines, which are specified in various standards and are designed for coupling to a correspondingly designed counter connecting piece (100), are known. Connecting pieces (100) of this type have a fluid channel, surrounded by a line portion (110), for coupling to the counter connecting piece (100) in a plugging direction (2) in a peripherally leak-tight manner and for subsequently exchanging liquids and/or gasses with the counter connecting piece. According to the invention, a connecting piece according to the invention has a transfer apparatus (200, 300) for data transfer and/or for transferring electrical energy with the counter connecting piece. A connecting piece (100) of this type is preferably used in an intelligent medical fluid conduction and transfer system, in which various components are interconnected by means of the connecting pieces not only fluidically but also for the purpose of transferring energy and/or data with each other, such that, for example, information regarding the medication can be exchanged or validated.