Needle-Free Breakaway Connector With Single-Valve Fluid Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breakaway fluid line connectors with two valves are not optimized for use with needle-free connectors, resulting in a bulky and oversized assembly, and are not efficient in size and operation.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway connector device with only one valve that integrates with a needle-free connector, utilizing a moveable cannula to open and close the fluid path, and a compressible sheath to ensure fluid flow control during separation, reducing the number of components and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional breakaway connectors with two valves are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the assembly becomes bulky and oversized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two separate valve housings into a single integrated housing structure. The first valve and second valve are both contained within the same housing, eliminating the need for two separate housing units and reducing overall assembly size while maintaining fluid flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single housing serves multiple functions by accommodating both the first valve and second valve, as well as providing structural support and fluid pathway integration. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and decreases assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional breakaway connectors with two valves are used, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a unified structure where the housing contains both valves and the fluid pathway. This integration reduces the total number of discrete components from two separate valve assemblies to one integrated unit, simplifying the device while maintaining flow control reliability.
3Device complexity
If a moveable cannula is used to open and close fluid path, then the design is simplified, but the precision of fluid flow control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable cannula provides a dynamic mechanism for opening and closing the fluid pathway. The cannula can be positioned in different states (open/closed) to control fluid flow, offering a simple yet effective solution that maintains sufficient precision for the intended medical application without requiring complex control systems.
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 simplifies the design, reduces size and cost, enhances sterility, and minimizes user error by leveraging the existing needle-free connector's seal as a patient-side valve, ensuring efficient fluid management during connection and separation.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible sheath to ensure fluid flow control during separation
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway connector apparatus including a housing and a breakaway component is configured for attachment directly to a needle-free fitting on an intravenous line. The breakaway connector apparatus includes only one valve. The apparatus is configured to open both the valve and a seal on the needle-free fitting when the breakaway component is attached to the needle-free fitting. When tension is applied to the connector, the breakaway component is configured to detach from the apparatus while remaining attached to the needle-free fitting, thereby closing the valve on the apparatus and also closing the seal on the needle-free fitting. In some embodiments, the breakaway connector apparatus includes one or more securing arms and one or more corresponding securing bars to prevent re-connection of the apparatus following disengagement of the breakaway component from the apparatus.