Self-Sealing Valve Assembly for IV Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical connectors for fluid administration in IV systems are inefficient due to uncertainty in actuation processes, undesired pressure effects, high internal volume, and complex manufacturing requirements, which can lead to safety hazards and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a valve assembly with a rotational actuation force mechanism, reduced internal volume, and visual indicators to ensure precise control of fluid flow, utilizing fewer parts and incorporating torque limiter mechanisms for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional Luer connectors with unsealed male connectors are used, then fluid can be administered through the connector, but residual fluid is exposed to healthcare workers and patients upon disconnection creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the traditional unsealed male Luer connector by integrating a self-sealing valve mechanism. The valve isolates the fluid pathway, allowing the male connector to remain unsealed for ease of connection while automatically sealing to prevent exposure of residual fluid to healthcare workers and patients upon disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-sealing valve as an intermediary component between the unsealed male Luer connector and the fluid pathway. This valve acts as a mediator that allows fluid administration when open but automatically seals to prevent exposure when the connector is disconnected, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and safety.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional Luer connectors with many parts are used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but manufacturing complexity and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated self-sealing valve component. The valve combines the sealing mechanism, actuation system, and fluid control functions into one unit, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable fluid flow control and reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it seals the fluid pathway, acts as a flow control mechanism, and provides a standardized connection interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining high reliability through fewer potential failure points.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional connectors with larger internal volume are used, then fluid can be stored in the connector, but more residual fluid remains after disconnection increasing exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts excess fluid from the system by designing a valve mechanism that allows complete evacuation of the fluid pathway. The self-sealing valve enables the user to open the valve and allow fluid to drain completely from the connector's internal volume, minimizing residual fluid before disconnecting, thus reducing exposure risk while maintaining adequate internal volume for fluid administration.
4Ease of operation
If rotational actuation force mechanism is implemented, then precise control of fluid flow is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotational actuation mechanism where a cam or lever rotates to open or close the valve. This rotational motion provides precise control over the valve opening, allowing the user to regulate fluid flow accurately. The curved or cam-shaped actuation component transforms simple rotational input into precise linear movement of the sealing element, achieving flow control precision without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve is provided for controlling flow along a fluid line that includes an outer shell and an inner housing slidably disposed therein that includes connector threads surrounding a boss on one end and a passage through the boss. A backing member is coupled to the outer shell and has a sealing pin extending into the passage. The inner housing is movable helically relative to the outer shell from a closed position wherein a sealing pin engages an outlet opening at the distal end of the boss to seal the opening and an open position in which the inner housing is directed away from the sealing pin to open a fluid path through the valve. A torque limiter mechanism between the outer shell and inner housing resists movement from the valve closed position to the valve open position until a selected torque level is reached.