Snap-on Needleless Connector Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infusion systems face issues with residual high-concentration medicinal liquid forming and blocking the needleless additive port, leading to inconsistent dosing, adverse patient reactions, and the inability to reuse the device due to lack of sealing.

Innovation Solution

A snap-on closed needleless connector module is introduced, comprising a movable closed connector and a first needleless connector, which provides a sealing effect to prevent leakage and residual liquid accumulation, allowing for the reuse of the infusion system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air is used to push high-concentration medicinal liquid through the puncturing part, then the medicinal liquid can be transferred to the infusion bag, but residual high-concentration medicinal liquid accumulates in the channel space and cannot be cleared

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedicinal liquid transfer efficiencyVSAvoidresidual medicinal liquid accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The puncturing part is divided into a first puncturing channel for high-concentration medicinal liquid and a second puncturing channel for air, preventing mixing and residual accumulation. The separation of fluid paths ensures complete transfer without contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A three-way valve is introduced as an intermediary device to control the flow paths of high-concentration medicinal liquid, diluting solution, and air. It enables precise switching between different operational modes (suction, blowing, infusion) to eliminate residuals and prevent accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the needleless additive port is used without a sealing mechanism, then the device is simple to operate, but the device cannot be reused due to leakage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation simplicityVSAvoiddevice reusability and sealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing membrane is added at the puncturing location to provide localized sealing without complicating the overall device structure. The sealing membrane maintains simplicity of operation while enabling reuse by preventing leakage and contamination between different medicinal liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If high-concentration medicinal liquid remains in the channel space, then the device can be used for subsequent infusions, but adverse reactions occur due to undiluted liquid entering the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous infusion capabilityVSAvoidadverse patient reactions from residual liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Before each infusion, the system performs a preliminary flushing action using diluting solution to clear any residual high-concentration medicinal liquid from the channels. This preliminary cleaning prevents adverse reactions while maintaining continuous infusion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous flow of diluting solution through the channels during transitions between different medicinal liquids, ensuring complete clearance of residuals and preventing accumulation that could cause adverse reactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively prevents leakage and ensures consistent dosing by maintaining a sealing effect throughout the infusion process, reducing adverse reactions in patients and allowing for the reuse of the infusion system.

Implementation Method 1

a first elastic valve comprising: a first circumferential part and a first sealing part... a second elastic valve comprising: a second circumferential part and a second sealing part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4512443A1Snap-on closed needleless connector module for infusion system and infusion system
Publication Date: 2025.02.26 TSAI HSI CHIN
  • EP4512443A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4512443A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4512443A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A snap-on closed needleless connector module for infusion system is provided, including a movable closed connector and a needleless connector. When the movable closed connector is separated from the needleless connector, the first snap-on part is separated from the second snap-on part, and the conduit is separated from the second sealing part, so that the slit of the second sealing part is tightly closed,; the elastic force of the second circumferential part resets the second sealing part to close the second opening, the first end of the housing is separated from the sleeve, and the positioning part and the first sealing part are reset by the elastic force of the first circumferential part, so that the second end of the first sealing part closes the first opening.