PRN Adapter Two-Component Elastomeric Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of PRN adapters for IV catheter devices is complex due to the use of multiple components, including a casing, septum, and shrink film, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A PRN adapter is formed using only two components: a casing with a hollow interior and an elastomeric member that forms a septum and a male luer taper, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling a secure, fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PRN adapter is formed using multiple components (casing, septum, and shrink film), then the sealing function and structural stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the septum and shrink film into a single integrated elastomeric member. This elastomeric member includes both the sealing portion (septum) and the securing portion (shrink film) as unified components, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the sealing and securing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastomeric material that exhibits both sealing properties and shrinkable characteristics. This composite material integrates the functions of multiple materials (sealing material and shrink film material) into a single elastomeric component, simplifying the overall structure and manufacturing process
2Stability of the object's composition
If a PRN adapter is formed using multiple components (casing, septum, and shrink film), then the structural stability is improved, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the septum and shrink film into a single elastomeric member, reducing the number of components from three to two. This integration maintains structural stability through the unified design while reducing production costs by eliminating separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the shrink film
3Ease of manufacture
If a PRN adapter uses a two-component design (casing and elastomeric member), then the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced, but the challenge of ensuring secure seal and proper component retention arises
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member is designed with different local properties: the sealing portion (septum) is configured to provide fluid-tight sealing when penetrated by needles, while the securing portion (shrink film) is designed to contract and grip the casing. This localized functional differentiation ensures reliable sealing and retention despite the simplified two-component structure
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
This two-component design reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining a secure seal for accessing IV catheter devices, facilitating efficient fluid management and minimizing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric member coupled to the casing. The elastomeric member forms a septum and a male luer taper
Implementation Method 2
during manufacturing of PRN adapter 240, shrink film 243 could be positioned around a portion of casing 241 and a portion of septum 242 and then heated to cause the shrink film to tighten around these portions
Data Source
AI summary
A PRN adapter can be formed of a casing and an elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can form a septum and a male luer taper. By forming the PRN adapter of only two components, the manufacturing process can be simplified. The casing may form a hollow interior having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The septum of the elastomeric member may be positioned at the proximal opening of the hollow interior, and the male luer taper may extend to the distal opening of the hollow interior.