Needle-Free Connector Pressure Regulation With Visual Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion sets lack pressure regulation and indication capabilities, which are crucial for safe infusion therapy, particularly in conditions like chemotherapy, neonatal care, and power injection, to prevent hemolysis and bag breakage.
Innovation Solution
Development of adjustable needle-free connectors with integrated pressure regulation and indication features, utilizing elastomeric bellows, deformable valves, and visual indicators to manage fluid pressure within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical needle-free connectors are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is good, but pressure regulation capability is lacking and pressure indication is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow control, pressure regulation, and pressure indication) into a single needle-free connector assembly. The flow regulator valve integrates a bellows mechanism, plunger, and visual indicator system into one unified component that replaces what would traditionally be separate devices, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle-free connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides needle-free connection, flow regulation through the valve mechanism, pressure regulation via the bellows and plunger system, and pressure indication through the visual indicator. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by embedding pressure regulation capabilities within the existing connector structure rather than requiring additional separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure regulation features are added to needle-free connectors, then pressure control capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including an elastomeric bellows that expands and contracts, a movable plunger that slides within the valve body, and a visual indicator that moves in response to pressure changes. These dynamic components enable adjustable pressure control by allowing the user to modify the bellows preload and observe real-time pressure status, providing adaptability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of flexible membranes and sliding parts rather than complex mechanical assemblies.
3Loss of information
If visual pressure indication is implemented, then real-time pressure monitoring capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual indicator that changes its displayed information based on pressure conditions. The indicator mechanism, coupled to the bellows and plunger assembly, provides visual feedback (potentially through color changes or positional changes visible through a window) that reflects the current pressure state and whether the set pressure limit has been reached. This approach provides real-time pressure information monitoring while maintaining ease of manufacture by using optical indicators rather than complex electronic sensing and display 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
Ensures safe infusion by automatically regulating fluid pressure and providing real-time visual feedback to prevent excessive pressure, protecting patient health and equipment integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator portion including a bellows
Implementation Method 2
a deformable valve
Data Source
AI summary
A needle-free connector assembly is provided that includes a main housing coupled to an indicator housing. A plunger is coupled to a bellows disposed in the main housing. An inlet port is disposed at an upstream end of the indicator housing and an outlet port is disposed at a downstream end of the main housing, with a valve disposed within the indicator housing and adjacent the inlet port. A switch member is slidingly disposed in the main housing, wherein the needle-free connector assembly provides both flow regulation and pressure indication when the switch member is in a downstream position and only pressure indication when the switch member is in an upstream position. Infusion sets and methods of operating a needle-free connector are also provided.