Puncture Needle Connector with Elastic Claw for Secure Infusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In infusion therapy, it is difficult to confirm the sufficient insertion depth of a puncture needle into a tube, leading to potential unintentional disconnection and leakage of hazardous infusions, posing a safety risk for healthcare workers.

Innovation Solution

A puncture needle connector with an outer cylinder, inner cavity, and an elastically deformable arm with claws that engages with the puncture needle's engagement structure, forming a liquid-tight seal and preventing unintentional separation, allowing for easy visual confirmation of the connected state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a puncture needle is merely inserted into a tube, then the insertion operation is simple, but it is difficult to confirm sufficient insertion depth and the connection may unintentionally separate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion operation simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement structure (protrusion or recess) is pre-formed on the puncture needle before insertion. When the needle is inserted into the tube, this pre-formed structure automatically engages with the corresponding structure in the tube, ensuring proper insertion depth and preventing unintentional separation without requiring complex confirmation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structure provides immediate tactile and visual feedback when the puncture needle is properly inserted into the tube. The mechanical engagement (clicking sound or firm resistance) confirms sufficient insertion depth, allowing operators to verify connection reliability without additional measurement tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If no engagement structure is provided, then the connector design is simple, but the puncture needle may unintentionally come off and cause infusion leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector structure simplicityVSAvoidinfusion leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two functional parts: the engagement structure (protrusion or recess) that prevents unintentional separation, and the sealing structure that prevents infusion leakage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall design simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structure is designed to counteract external forces (tension, vibration, or accidental pulling) before they can cause unintentional separation. The protrusion or recess creates a mechanical interlock that resists separating forces, preventing harmful effects before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If insertion depth cannot be confirmed, then the insertion process is quick, but hazardous drugs may leak and expose workers to danger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidhazardous drug exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement structure (protrusion or recess) is pre-formed on the puncture needle at the correct insertion depth position. When the needle is inserted into the tube, this pre-formed structure automatically engages at the proper depth, ensuring both rapid insertion and safe containment of hazardous drugs without requiring post-insertion verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical engagement of the protrusion or recess provides immediate feedback confirming proper insertion depth. This feedback mechanism ensures that the puncture needle has reached the correct depth to securely contain hazardous drugs, allowing workers to proceed with confidence and maintain both speed and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 connector ensures a reliable liquid-tight seal and prevents unintentional disconnection, enhancing safety by allowing easy confirmation of the connected state and maintaining the integrity of the infusion.

Implementation Method 1

an arm provided at the outer cylinder, the arm being elastically deformable by bending

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a liquid-tight seal is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the puncture needle and an inner circumferential surface of the inner cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11744773B2Puncture needle connector and connecting tube

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 JMS CO LTD

AI summary

A puncture needle connector (1) includes an outer cylinder (11), an inner cavity (1a) formed within the outer cylinder (11), an arm (15) provided at the outer cylinder (11), the arm (15) being elastically deformable by bending, and a claw (16) provided on the arm (15). The inner cavity (1a) is in communication with the outside via a first opening (21) and a second opening (22). When a puncture needle (210) is inserted into the inner cavity (1a) via a first opening (21), the claw (16) engages with an engagement structure (217) provided integrally with the puncture needle (210), a liquid-tight seal (25) is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the puncture needle (210) and an inner circumferential surface of the inner cavity (1a), and the puncture needle (210) and the second opening (22) are in communication with the each other.