Needleless Connector Lip Seal to Prevent Valve Face Fluid Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needleless connectors allow fluid to deposit on the valve head upon removal of a medical implement, leading to potential fluid leakage and risk of bloodstream diseases.
Innovation Solution
A needleless connector with a resilient, compressible valve featuring a circumferential lip seal that engages the inner surface of the housing to prevent fluid from moving from the cavity to the valve face, minimizing fluid deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional needleless connector with a collapsible valve is used, then the valve can be opened by applying axial force, but fluid deposits on the valve head causing potential leakage and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The valve head is segmented into a top section and a body portion, with the lip seal creating a distinct barrier zone between them. This segmentation prevents fluid from reaching the top section by creating a sealed boundary at the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip seal acts as an intermediary element between the fluid path and the valve head top section. It intercepts fluid flow and redirects it, preventing direct contact with the valve head surface that could lead to deposition.
2Productivity
If the valve geometry allows fluid flow through the cavity, then fluid can be administered to the patient, but fluid may separate from the valve member and flow into the fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
The lip seal is positioned to preemptively block fluid from reaching the valve head top section before fluid separation can occur. This preliminary barrier prevents the harmful effect of fluid entering the fluid path.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip seal extends radially outward from the valve head, creating a three-dimensional barrier that blocks fluid flow in the radial direction. This adds a dimensional element to the sealing mechanism that prevents fluid migration toward the fluid path.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lip seal is added to the valve member, then fluid deposition on the valve head is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lip seal is integrated with the valve head as a single molded component rather than a separate assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lip seal is formed as an integral part of the valve head geometry, changing the structural parameters of the valve head to include the sealing feature. This eliminates the need for additional components while achieving the same protective effect.
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
Prevents fluid droplets from collecting on the valve face, reducing the risk of fluid leakage and associated health risks.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion... The circumferential lip seal may engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing to obstruct fluid from flowing from the internal cavity towards and onto the top section of the head portion
Implementation Method 2
a resilient valve disposed within at least a portion of the internal cavity and movably retained within the housing... upon application of an axial compressive force to the resilient valve, the resilient valve may be compressed
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A valve member for a connector includes a head portion, a body portion, and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion. The head portion includes a top section defining a first seal portion. The body portion extends longitudinally from the head portion and defines a second seal portion at a proximal end thereof. The second seal portion is disposed distally to the first seal portion. The circumferential lip seal is disposed between the first and second seal portions.