Needle-Free Connector Valve With Visual Flow Path Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid control devices, such as stopcocks and needle-free connectors, are bulky and have multiple failure points, leading to potential errors, infections, and inefficiencies in fluid delivery, especially in near-patient settings where quick fluid management is required.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional flow path control device with an inner and outer housing, featuring a rotating knob and flow indicators, which reduces parts and integrates a needle-free connector, allowing intuitive fluid management with fewer potential failure points and a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stopcocks are used for fluid control, then fluid transmission between multiple sources and destinations is achieved, but the device is bulky and has multiple failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stopcock valve mechanism with a needle-free connector into a single integrated device. The inner housing contains the valve mechanism while the outer housing provides the connector interface, combining multiple functions (fluid control and needle-free connection) into one unified structure that reduces the number of separate components and potential failure points
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a stopcock for controlling fluid flow between multiple sources/destinations and as a needle-free connector for patient access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive fluid management capability
2Ease of operation
If traditional stopcocks are used for fluid control, then fluid transmission is achieved, but the device bulk makes it less suitable for near-patient use
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the stopcock and needle-free connector into one integrated unit, the overall device volume is reduced compared to using separate devices. The compact integration allows the device to be positioned closer to the patient while maintaining all necessary functions for fluid control and access
Solution Approach 2:
The inner housing containing the valve mechanism is received within the outer housing that provides the connector interface. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and creates a compact overall structure that is suitable for near-patient use while preserving full functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow channels are provided for fluid transmission, then fluid delivery options are increased, but the likelihood of errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flow indicators that change appearance (such as color or visual state) to indicate which flow channels are currently active. This visual feedback system helps users correctly identify and select the intended flow path, reducing errors when managing multiple flow channel combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The flow indicators provide real-time feedback to the user about the current state of the valve and which flow channels are open. This feedback mechanism ensures that users have accurate information about fluid flow status, preventing misconfiguration and errors when establishing complex fluid delivery paths
Data Source
AI summary
Flow path control devices and a method for delivering a medical fluid by flow path control device are disclosed. A flow path control device includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing includes a knob that rotates the inner housing relative to the outer housing. Rotating the knob activates different flow paths by aligning the flow paths with flow channels on the outer housing. Flow indicators on the inner housing are visible through windows in the outer housing and show a user of the flow path control device which flow channels are open. Additionally, at least one of the flow channels is an access port for a needleless fluid connector. When the flow channels are open, medical fluid can be transported through the flow channels.