Septum Connector Device for Safe Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a connector device that allows easy, safe, and cost-effective transfer of liquid medicaments between septum sealed containers, particularly for untrained users, while avoiding the risks associated with syringe and needle handling, and ensuring sterility and long shelf-life.
Innovation Solution
A connector device with two slidably displaceable members along an axis, featuring a hollow transfer needle with two ends, where one end penetrates the septum of the first container and the other end establishes a fluid connection with the second container without penetrating its septum, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and is designed for use with septum sealed containers to facilitate the transfer of liquids without compromising the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a syringe with needle is used to transfer liquid medicament, then the transfer can be performed, but the risk of needle injuries and safe disposal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device serves as an intermediary tool between the source container and the infusion pump reservoir. It includes a protected transfer needle that is housed within a protective mechanism, allowing the needle to perform the liquid transfer function while being isolated from direct user contact during the critical injection phase. The device mediates the interaction between user and sharp elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed as a single-use, disposable component. After performing the liquid transfer function, the entire connector device including the needle is discarded. This eliminates the need for needle disposal procedures and reduces the risk of needle injuries, as users never handle exposed needles. The low cost and disposable nature makes this safe approach economically viable.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protected transfer needle is used, then needle injuries are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mechanism and transfer needle are merged into a single integrated connector device unit. The protective housing, transfer needle, and coupling mechanisms are combined in one disposable assembly that performs multiple functions (protection, transfer, and container coupling) simultaneously. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate protective devices and needle handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The protected transfer needle is automatically positioned and activated through the simple action of coupling the device to the containers. No separate protective mechanisms or complex user actions are required - the device protects itself and performs the transfer function through its inherent design when properly coupled.
3Reliability
If a disposable reservoir container with septum is used, then sterility is maintained, but the ease of filling compared to traditional containers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device acts as an intermediary tool that simplifies the filling process for septum-sealed containers. Instead of requiring the user to directly manipulate a needle through the septum, the connector device provides a protected transfer needle that is already positioned and prepared. The user simply couples the device to the container and activates the transfer function, greatly simplifying the filling operation while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer needle is pre-positioned and protected within the connector device before use. The device is pre-assembled with the needle in the correct position and orientation. When the device is coupled to the septum-sealed container, the needle is already ready to perform the transfer function, eliminating the need for the user to perform preliminary needle preparation or positioning actions.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual skills are required for syringe and needle handling, then precise liquid transfer is possible, but accessibility for untrained users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is designed to perform the liquid transfer function automatically once coupled to the containers. The protected transfer needle is pre-positioned and the coupling mechanism automatically aligns and secures the device. Users do not need to manually control needle insertion, angle, or depth - the device handles these precision functions automatically through its mechanical design, making accurate liquid transfer accessible to untrained users.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector device serves as an intermediary that translates simple user actions (coupling the device to containers) into precise liquid transfer operations. The device's internal mechanisms, including the protected transfer needle and coupling system, handle the complex alignment and positioning required for accurate transfer. This intermediary function allows untrained users to achieve precise results without needing to understand or control the underlying mechanical precision requirements.
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 enables reliable, safe, and cost-effective fluid connection between septum sealed containers, ensuring easy handling for untrained users and maintaining the sterility of the containers, with a long shelf-life and reduced risk of needle injuries and cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
A first member (20) of the connector device (10) comprises a hollow transfer needle (24) with two pointed ends (25, 25') arranged parallel to the axis (12) in such a way that a septum (62, 66) of a first one of the two containers (60, 64) is penetrated by one end (25) of the needle (24)
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device for connecting two containers with first and second members slidably displaceable in regard to each other along an axis between a first and a second position is presented. The first member comprises a needle parallel to the axis so that the first container's septum is penetrated by one end of the needle when the first container is introduced into the first member. The second member comprises a coupling to the second container. The other needle end penetrates the second container's septum when the members are in the second position establishing a connection between the two containers. The first member comprises a coupling to the second container coupled to the second member. The first member can couple to the second container when the two members are in the second position and cannot couple to the second container when the two members are in the first position.