Pressure-Sensitive Medical Fluid Connector With Closing Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access devices are prone to occlusion due to high infusion pressures, leading to vein damage and clinical complications, and current solutions like flush procedures are cumbersome and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-limiting device with a slider mechanism that closes the fluid outlet when infusion pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, using a resilient member to maintain the slider in an open position until pressure exceeds the limit, preventing further flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a syringe is used to infuse medical fluid into a vascular access device, then the medical fluid can be delivered to the patient, but the infusion pressure may exceed a predetermined threshold causing vein damage or catheter occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically regulates infusion pressure through a pressure-sensitive valve mechanism that responds to pressure thresholds without external control. When pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, the valve automatically closes to prevent overpressurization, and reopens when pressure drops, eliminating the need for manual pressure monitoring or complex electronic control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the valve from open to closed based on pressure parameter thresholds. The valve transitions between states automatically when pressure exceeds or falls below predetermined levels, providing simple binary control that maintains reliability without adding device complexity
2Productivity
If fast injection technique is used to deliver medical fluid, then infusion speed is improved, but pressure build-up occurs leading to vein rupture or catheter collapsing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive valve creates a closed-loop feedback system where the valve position is continuously adjusted based on upstream pressure conditions. When pressure builds up during fast injection, the valve automatically closes to reduce flow and lower pressure, then reopens when pressure decreases, maintaining safe pressure levels throughout the infusion process
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is pre-configured with a predetermined pressure threshold that acts as a safety cushion before dangerous pressure levels are reached. This preemptive pressure limitation prevents vein damage by closing the valve before pressure can build up to harmful levels, rather than responding after damage occurs
3Reliability
If flush procedure is performed to prevent catheter occlusion, then patency of vascular access device is maintained, but the procedure is difficult and fastidious to follow
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive valve automatically performs the function of preventing catheter occlusion by regulating pressure throughout the infusion process. By maintaining pressure within safe thresholds, the valve prevents debris accumulation and catheter blockage without requiring manual flush procedures, making the system self-maintaining
Solution Approach 2:
The valve provides continuous pressure regulation throughout the entire infusion process, constantly monitoring and adjusting pressure to prevent occlusion. This continuous protection replaces intermittent manual flush procedures, ensuring uninterrupted patency maintenance without requiring additional operator actions
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 device effectively limits infusion pressure, preventing catheter occlusion and vein damage while being compact, easy to handle, and cost-effective, with a simple design requiring minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed proximally to the plug and configured to exert a proximal force on said the slider such that the resilient member maintains the slider in the opening position
Implementation Method 2
a proximally oriented pressure area provided on an actuation member of the slider, said pressure area being configured to cause the slider to reach the closing position against the action of the resilient member when the medical fluid pressure exerted upon said pressure area is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device (1) includes a housing (2) defining a conduit (20) for circulation of the medical fluid from an inlet (22) to an outlet (24), a slider (5) arranged inside the conduit (20) such that the slider (5) is movable along a central longitudinal axis A between an opening position and a closing position, a plug (4) connected to the slider (5), said plug (4) being configured to close the fluid outlet (24) when the slider (5) is in the closing position, a resilient member (7) disposed proximally to the plug and configured to exert a proximal force on said the slider (5) such that the resilient member (7) maintains the slider (5) in the opening position, a proximally oriented pressure area (50) provided on the slider (5), said pressure area (50) being configured to cause the slider (5) to reach the closing position against the action of the resilient member (7) when the medical fluid pressure exerted upon said pressure area (50) is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.