Needleless Connector Folding Seal for Low-Stress Center Post Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing medical fluid connectors using razors to cut slits in seals results in inconsistent connectors and high stress conditions susceptible to tearing, leading to potential dislodgement of IV catheters.
Innovation Solution
Manufacture medical fluid connectors without razors, using molding, compression, and lubrication to create points of decreased tension and incorporate guiding and lubricating recesses to facilitate consistent sealing and reduce friction during center post insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If razors are used to cut slits in seals, then manufacturing process is simple, but manufacturing precision deteriorates and reliability worsens due to inconsistent connectors and high stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical razor-cutting system with a molding system that forms seals with integrated guiding recesses and lubricating recesses. This substitution eliminates the need for post-manufacturing slit cutting, thereby improving manufacturing precision and connector consistency while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated mold design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates guiding recesses and lubricating recesses into the seal design during the molding process, performing the function of slit creation in advance. This preliminary action ensures consistent geometry and stress distribution before the connector is assembled, preventing the high stress conditions that occur with post-manufacturing razor cutting.
2Device complexity
If razors are used to cut slits in seals, then device complexity is low, but reliability deteriorates due to corners with high stress conditions susceptible to tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating guiding recesses and lubricating recesses at specific locations within the seal structure. These localized features reduce stress concentration at critical points where slits would be cut, preventing tearing while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The recesses are strategically positioned to address high-stress areas without complicating the overall connector design.
3Manufacturing precision
If molding and compression are used to create points of decreased tension, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of seal formation, guiding recess creation, and lubricating recess formation into a single molding and compression process. This integration achieves high manufacturing precision for seal geometry while avoiding the need for multiple separate manufacturing steps, thereby preventing an increase in device complexity despite the enhanced precision requirements.
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 minimizes manufacturing inconsistencies and prevents premature tearing, ensuring secure and reliable fluid communication through the connectors.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricating recess positioned within the guiding recess and containing a lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
Seals for medical fluid connectors are disclosed. A seal for a medical fluid connector may include a first portion and a second portion compressed together to form the seal. The inner surfaces of the first and second portions contain recesses. When the first and second portions are compressed together, fluid cannot pass between the portions. In other words, fluid cannot pass through the seal. The seal is penetrable by a center post at an insertion area compressed by the recesses. When the center post penetrates the seal, the center post provides a fluid path through the seal. The recesses also contain a lubricant that limits the amount of friction between the seal and the center post.